Best Cover Crops for Pollinators: Boosting Biodiversity in Your Garden

Cover crops are an essential part of sustainable agriculture. They are planted to protect and enrich the soil, control weeds, and prevent erosion. However, not all cover crops are created equal. Some cover crops provide more benefits than others, especially when it comes to pollinators. In this article, we will explore the best cover crops for pollinators.

When it comes to cover crops for pollinators, there are a few critical things to consider. First, you want to choose cover crops that bloom for an extended period. This will provide a consistent source of food for pollinators throughout the growing season. Second, you want to choose cover crops that attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects. Finally, you want to choose cover crops that are easy to grow and maintain.

We spent countless hours researching and testing various cover crops to identify the ones that are best for pollinators. In the following sections, we will share our findings and provide recommendations for the best cover crops for pollinators.

Best Cover Crops for Pollinators

As gardeners, we know that cover crops are a great way to improve soil health and prevent erosion. But did you know that cover crops can also benefit pollinators? By planting cover crops that attract and support pollinators, we can create a more diverse and resilient ecosystem in our gardens. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best cover crops for pollinators to help you make the most of your garden space.

Sustainable Seed Company Cover Crop Seed Mix Organic – Pollinator & Bee Friendly Cover Crop Mix – 1/4 lb ~3,800 Seeds – Clover Cover Crop Blend – Includes Hairy Vetch Cover Crop Seeds, Crimson Clover, Peas, & Oats 4 Oz

If you’re looking for an organic cover crop mix that is friendly to pollinators and bees, then the Sustainable Seed Company Cover Crop Seed Mix Organic is a great choice.

Pros

• Sprouts quickly and grows well
• Includes a variety of cover crops for soil improvement
• Resealable bag for easy storage

Cons

• Not suitable for small gardens or indoor use
• Some users reported difficulty in spreading the seeds evenly
• May attract unwanted pests if not managed properly

We recently used this cover crop mix to improve the soil in our backyard, which had been neglected for years. The mix includes hairy vetch cover crop seeds, crimson clover, peas, and oats, which all sprouted quickly and grew well. We were happy to see that the seeds came in a resealable bag, making it easy to store any leftover seeds for future use.

One thing to keep in mind is that this mix may not be suitable for small gardens or indoor use, as it requires a fair amount of space to grow properly. Additionally, some users reported difficulty in spreading the seeds evenly, so it may take some practice to get the hang of it. Finally, if not managed properly, the cover crop may attract unwanted pests, so be sure to monitor it closely.

Overall, we would recommend the Sustainable Seed Company Cover Crop Seed Mix Organic to anyone looking for an effective and organic way to improve their soil and support pollinators and bees.

FARMERS DAUGHTERS SEEDS Buckwheat Cover Crop

If you’re looking for a fast-growing cover crop that can improve your garden’s soil and attract wildlife, FARMERS DAUGHTERS SEEDS Buckwheat Cover Crop is a great option.

Pros

• Attracts wild life and is a great bee pollinator
• Provides good ground coverage
• Well-suited for almost any soil and is early maturing

Cons

• May not be suitable for areas with high wind
• Some users have reported low germination rates
• May not be effective at suppressing all types of weeds

We recently used FARMERS DAUGHTERS SEEDS Buckwheat Cover Crop in our garden and were impressed with its ability to attract bees and other pollinators. The plant grew quickly and provided good ground coverage, which helped to suppress weeds and improve the soil’s fertility. We also appreciated that it was well-suited for almost any soil type and was an early maturing crop.

However, we did notice that the crop struggled in areas with high wind, as the plants were easily knocked over. Additionally, we experienced a lower than expected germination rate, which may have been due to poor soil conditions or improper planting techniques. Finally, while the crop was effective at suppressing many types of weeds, we did notice that some tough weeds, such as quackgrass, were able to survive.

Overall, we would recommend FARMERS DAUGHTERS SEEDS Buckwheat Cover Crop to anyone looking for a fast-growing, versatile cover crop that can attract pollinators and improve soil fertility. However, we would caution users to be aware of its limitations and to carefully consider their planting conditions before making a purchase.

Hairy Vetch Seeds for Planting

We highly recommend the Hairy Vetch Seeds for Planting by CZ Grain for anyone looking for a cover crop that is great for pollinators.

Pros

• Easy to grow
• All-natural
• CZ Grain guarantee

Cons

• Can be invasive
• May attract unwanted wildlife
• Takes time to establish

Hairy Vetch is a great cover crop option for those looking to attract pollinators to their garden. The seeds are easy to grow and can be sown at any time of the year. We found that having a grass and weed-free seedbed is very helpful for optimal growth.

The Hairy Vetch Seeds for Planting are 100% open-pollinated, non-GMO, non-hybrid, and heirloom. This makes them a great all-natural option for those looking to avoid genetically modified crops.

CZ Grain guarantees success with their products, and the Hairy Vetch Seeds for Planting are no exception. If you have any questions or concerns, their customer service team is always ready to help.

One thing to keep in mind is that Hairy Vetch can be invasive and may attract unwanted wildlife. It also takes time to establish, so patience is key.

Overall, we highly recommend the Hairy Vetch Seeds for Planting by CZ Grain for anyone looking for a cover crop that is great for pollinators.

Best Sellers Rank: #490,294 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden) #1,146 in Grass Seed. ASIN: B0BGQHPB37. Manufacturer: CZ Grain. Product Care Instructions: Water. Expected Planting Period: Winter. Unit Count: 1.0 Count. Expected Blooming Period: Winter. Color: Green. Material Feature: GMO Free, Heirloom, Natural. Brand: CZ Grain.

Japanese Buckwheat – 1 LB ~15,000 Seeds – Perennial – Non-GMO, Open Pollinated – Farm & Garden Cover Crop – Bee & Pollinator Crop

If you’re looking for a cover crop that will attract bees and other pollinators to your garden, then Japanese Buckwheat from Sustainable Seed Company is a great choice.

Pros

• The buckwheat blossoms are a favorite of bees and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for a pollinator crop.
• It’s a quick-growing crop, with blossoms appearing in about six weeks and seeds a few weeks later.
• Buckwheat is a great smother crop, adding valuable green manure to your soil or harvesting for seed.

Cons

• Buckwheat should not be planted until all danger of frost has passed.
• If you’re trying to raise different varieties of buckwheat, it’s important not to plant them at the same time as they cross very easily.
• While it’s a perennial crop in zones 3-7, it’s grown as an annual in the U.S.A.

We highly recommend Japanese Buckwheat as a cover crop for pollinators. The blossoms are a favorite of bees and other pollinators, and it’s a quick-growing crop that adds valuable green manure to your soil. Just be sure to wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting.

Japanese Buckwheat is a versatile crop that can be used for a variety of purposes. At Sustainable Seed Company, we thresh the grain for our chickens and add the stalks to the compost pile. The crop is a great smother crop, adding valuable green manure to your soil or harvesting for seed.

It’s important to note that if you’re trying to raise different varieties of buckwheat, you should never plant them at the same time as they cross very easily. Instead, raise one variety, harvest, and then plant the next.

Overall, Japanese Buckwheat is a great choice for a pollinator crop. It’s a quick-growing crop that attracts bees and other pollinators, and it adds valuable green manure to your soil. If you’re looking for a cover crop that will benefit your garden in multiple ways, then we highly recommend Japanese Buckwheat from Sustainable Seed Company.

Organic Japanese Buckwheat – 1 LB ~15,000 Seeds – Perennial – Organic, Non-GMO, Open Pollinated – Farm & Garden Cover Crop – Bee & Pollinator Crop

If you’re looking for a cover crop that will nourish your soil, attract pollinators, and provide a source of food for chickens, look no further than the Organic Japanese Buckwheat from Sustainable Seed Company. With its superior germination rates and organic, non-GMO, open-pollinated seeds, this cover crop is a great choice for any gardener who values sustainability and food independence.

Pros

• The Organic Japanese Buckwheat is a great smother crop that adds valuable green manure to your soil, making it an excellent choice for improving soil health and fertility.
• This cover crop is a bee and pollinator crop, attracting honeybees that love buckwheat and making it a highly sought-after source of honey.
• With its quick growth rate, this cover crop can be planted several times throughout the year, providing a steady source of green manure and food for chickens.

Cons

• While this cover crop is hardy and can be grown as a perennial in zones 3-7, it’s important to remember not to plant it until all danger of frost has passed.
• Buckwheat can cross easily, so if you’re trying to raise different varieties, it’s best to plant them at different times to avoid cross-pollination.
• While this cover crop is great for attracting pollinators and nourishing your soil, it may not be suitable for all gardeners, depending on their specific needs and goals.

If you’re looking for a cover crop that will improve your soil health, attract pollinators, and provide a source of food for chickens, the Organic Japanese Buckwheat from Sustainable Seed Company is a great choice. We’ve found that this cover crop is easy to grow and provides a steady source of green manure throughout the year. Plus, it’s always satisfying to see the bees buzzing around the buckwheat blossoms in the morning. Overall, we highly recommend this cover crop to any gardener who values sustainability and wants to improve their soil health.

Outsidepride Buckwheat Cover Crop

We highly recommend the Outsidepride Buckwheat Cover Crop for those looking for an inexpensive and low-maintenance option for their garden.

Pros

• This cover crop is suitable for almost any soil type and is a short-season cash crop that fits into rotations at a time when fields might otherwise be idle.
• Buckwheat grows as a summer annual which can be used as a green manure crop. It attracts pollinators and is a great option for bee pastures and wildlife seed.
• All seeds from Outsidepride are non-GMO and are produced from open pollinated plants.

Cons

• Sow seeds at 40 to 50 lbs per acre or 3 lbs per 1,000 square feet after all danger of frost has passed in the Spring or Summer.
• Although it is a great option for attracting pollinators, some reviewers noted that their honey bees did not touch it.
• Some reviewers experienced lower than expected germination rates.

We found the Outsidepride Buckwheat Cover Crop to be a great option for those looking for an easy-to-grow cover crop that attracts pollinators and requires little maintenance. It is a versatile option that can be used as a green manure crop and fits well into crop rotations. The non-GMO seeds are produced from open pollinated plants, making it a great choice for those looking for sustainable agricultural practices. However, it is important to note that proper seeding rates and timing are crucial for success. Overall, we highly recommend the Outsidepride Buckwheat Cover Crop for those looking for an affordable and low-maintenance option for their garden.

Buckwheat Seeds for Planting – Cover Crop, Grain, Bee Pasture, Pollinator, Wildlife Seed (5 Pounds)

If you’re looking for a cover crop that’s easy to grow and attracts pollinators, then Buckwheat Seeds for Planting from CZ Grain might be the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• Buckwheat is a flowering plant that attracts bees and other pollinators, making it a great choice for improving the health of your garden.
• These seeds are easy to grow and can be sown at any time of the year. Simply cover them loosely with soil and water as needed.
• Buckwheat is an all-natural crop that’s 100% open pollinated, non-GMO, non-hybrid, and heirloom.

Cons

• Buckwheat can be attractive to deer and other wildlife, so you may need to take steps to protect your crop if you live in an area with a lot of wildlife.
• While buckwheat is a great cover crop, it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a crop that will provide a lot of biomass for composting or other uses.
• Buckwheat may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a crop that will provide a lot of nitrogen to your soil.

Buckwheat Seeds for Planting from CZ Grain is a great choice if you’re looking for an easy-to-grow cover crop that will attract pollinators to your garden. We found that these seeds germinated quickly and grew vigorously, producing a beautiful stand of plants that attracted a wide variety of bees and other pollinators.

One thing to keep in mind is that buckwheat can be attractive to deer and other wildlife, so you may need to take steps to protect your crop if you live in an area with a lot of wildlife. We also found that while buckwheat is a great cover crop, it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a crop that will provide a lot of biomass for composting or other uses.

Overall, we would definitely recommend Buckwheat Seeds for Planting from CZ Grain to anyone looking for an easy-to-grow cover crop that will attract pollinators to their garden. Just be sure to take steps to protect your crop from wildlife if necessary, and keep in mind that buckwheat may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a crop that will provide a lot of nitrogen to your soil.

Buying Guide

When choosing a cover crop for pollinators, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:

Flowering Period

One of the most important factors to consider is the flowering period of the cover crop. Pollinators require a continuous source of nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. Therefore, it is important to choose a cover crop that blooms at different times throughout the season, providing a steady source of food for pollinators.

Flower Color and Shape

Pollinators are attracted to flowers of different colors and shapes. Bees, for example, are attracted to blue, purple, and yellow flowers, while butterflies prefer brightly colored flowers with flat surfaces. When choosing a cover crop, consider the flower color and shape to attract a variety of pollinators.

Plant Height

The height of the cover crop can also affect its attractiveness to pollinators. Some pollinators, such as bees, prefer flowers that are close to the ground, while others, such as butterflies, prefer flowers that are higher up. Choosing a cover crop with a variety of plant heights can help attract a wider range of pollinators.

Seed Mixes

Some companies offer seed mixes specifically designed to attract pollinators. These mixes often contain a variety of cover crop species that bloom at different times and have different flower colors and shapes. Seed mixes can be a convenient and effective way to provide a diverse and continuous source of food for pollinators.

By considering these factors, you can choose a cover crop that not only benefits your soil but also supports the health and diversity of pollinators in your area.