Best Cover Crops for Pollinators: Boosting Biodiversity in Your Garden
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Last updated: February 15, 2026
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.
Our top pick
- 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. 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. When you weigh all the factors, this one rises above the rest.
Best runner-up
- 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. 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. For this particular need, it’s the clear frontrunner.
Best budget option
- Easy to grow
- All-natural
- CZ Grain guarantee
Cons
- Can be invasive
- May attract unwanted wildlife
- Takes time to establish
We found that having a grass and weed-free seedbed is very helpful for optimal growth. 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. It delivers exactly where it counts most.
Best premium choice
- 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. 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. It delivers exactly where it counts most.
Also great
- 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. Overall, we highly recommend the Outsidepride Buckwheat Cover Crop for those looking for an affordable and low-maintenance option for their garden. For the cost-conscious shopper, it’s a remarkably smart buy.
Also great
- 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.
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. 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. If working with nature is your goal, this one aligns perfectly.
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.
