Perhaps it’s the unique charm of a small-scale, family-owned and-operated businesses or the intrigue of a sprawling nursery hidden in the urban canyons of City Heights, but one thing is for sure: This gem is not to be missed.

Visiting City Farmers Nursery on a sunny afternoon is a pleasant experience. As an avid plant mom, I love exploring nurseries to see what botanicals or supplies I might find. Founded in 1972 by Bill Tall, City Farmers Nursery has been cultivating a space for San Diego horticulturists to gather, share, and discover for over half a decade. Although Bill passed away in 2021, his legacy continues to grow through his family and community.

Upon entering the gates, you’ll see Nate’s Garden Grill to the right, Inecui Flowers to the left, and the nursery entrance in the center.

The nursery is now run by Farmer Bill’s son, Sam Tall, who offers solid advice: “Try not to see it all in one visit. It takes three to four times before you really feel like you have taken it all in.” And he’s not kidding.

Sam Tall keeps busy at the nursery offering friendly advice to shoppers.

After browsing the local compost and rows of fruit and veggie starters near the entrance, many of which are grown in greenhouses on-site, you’ll find yourself winding through earthen pathways lined with pots, plants, and animals. At every turn there is a new sight, from varieties of fruit trees to native plants, bonsai, and the resident miniature donkeys, Miss Darla and Sir Alfie.

The indoor shop area seems almost as expansive as the outdoors. There’s a wall of seed packets, gardening supplies, and a multitude of other essential items you didn’t know you needed or wanted like jars and canning supplies, beekeeping equipment, mushroom grow kits, potato planting varieties, and children’s gardening tools and books. A schedule features classes on composting, growing native plants, and much more. Stay up-to-date with upcoming events by visiting the website and signing up for their newsletter.

Farmer Sam is right: There is too much to take in during one visit to City Farmers Nursery, which is why people find themselves returning season after season, year after year, to see what new discoveries are in store.

DINING EXPLORER

NATE’S GARDEN GRILL

No trip to City Farmers Nursery is complete without a stop to eat at Nate’s Garden Grill. Stepping through the doors feels like stepping back in time. You can enjoy your meal amongst nostalgic decor in one of the oversized wooden booths in the back or on an outdoor patio with live music almost every evening of the week.

With a dedication to supporting local farms and serving scratch-made items, the menu has something for everyone. The regular Nate’s brunch crowd can’t get enough of their biscuits, seasonal vegetable hash, and the crab cake Benedict. There are rave reviews for the vegan tempeh sandwich with sauerkraut and Russian dressing, and the smoked chicken chili featuring California-raised Jidori chicken is rumored to be addictive. Don’t forget to check the specials menu; I went for a tasty vegan turkey salad sandwich with a side of kale slaw and a house-brewed root beer.

The rustic atmosphere and satisfying fare at Nate’s Garden Grill make it a perfect casual dining destination. And be sure to visit Inecui Flowers, a local, seasonal florist whose ethics are as beautiful as their blooms.

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» cityfarmersnursery.com

» natesgardengrill.com

» inecui.com

From bonsai to fruit trees, ornamental flowers, herbs, vegetables, native plants, and more, there’s something at City Farmers Nursery for almost anyone who wants to grow.

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Originally published in issue 74.

Cover illustration by Tim Topalov for Edible San Diego.
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About the Contributor
Liz Murphy
‍Liz Murphy is a local plant-based chef and sustainability warrior. Find her  cookbook, Kitchen Contentment at santoshanutrition.com or look for it at local San Diego shops. Santosha Nutrition offers a plant-based cooking class with Chef Liz, a unique and fun gift for cooks of any level. Certificates include an interactive virtual or in-person cooking experience, with three recipes in a digital recipe packet with instructions. Her cookbook Kitchen Contentment: A Seasonal Guide to Cooking with Plants contains over 50 vegan and gluten-free recipes.
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