City Farmers Nursery

Specialties

Family owned and operated since 1972, City Farmers specializes in organic gardening products, American-​made items for the home and yard and free advice. Among San Diego’s garden centers, City Farmers is the largest organically maintained nursery offering a full line of organic seeds by Seeds of Change along with an exceptional line of vegetables, rare fruit trees, water-​conserving plants and alternative growing media such as hydroponics (growing plants without soil), vermiculture (using worms for growing plants), aquaculture (growing plants in water) and pond growing.

Owner Bill Tall and his staff offer a combined 150 years of experience in growing plants, lawn and garden care, organically treating diseases and pests. More than just a nursery, City Farmers is a wonderful day-​trip location with its fun, child-​friendly farm animal menagerie – a horse, goats, turkeys, chickens, ducks, turtles, fish, a puppy and a parrot – play area, beautiful rose area and bonsai and bamboo sitting area.

History

Established in 1972.

City Farmers is at the corner of Home Ave. and Euclid Ave. – you’ll notice that the street numbers are a bit kooky – that’s the work of Bill’s dad, Nate, who assigned property addresses when he purchased the property in the 60’s. An entrepreneur trapped in an aerospace job, Nate spent his weekends on the nursery property selling in-​season produce and Christmas trees. Little Billy would accompany his dad and soon called the corner of Home and Euclid his home.

The front office has moved three times to its current expanded location. In 1987 «the farm» was established with Clyde the horse (still a steadfast part of the nursery). Since then, the farm has grown to include goats, chickens, ducks, rabbits, geese, turkeys, and turtles.

City Farmers was established in 1972 and has always practiced organic maintenance of products. The nursery has been recognized as a cornerstone in the redevelopment of City Heights, with Bill donating plants to various worthwhile causes around San Diego.

Meet the Business Owner

Bill T.

Business Owner

City Farmers Nursery was established in 1972 by then 16 year-​old Bill («Billy») Tall, a student at Madison High School. A plant lover from childhood, Bill started his entrepreneurial ways by selling home-​grown plant cuttings, door-​to-​door in his Clairemont. With encouragement from his parents, Nate and Bunny – and few teachers – Bill began his dream of owning his own nursery. Bill’s first sales was steer manure he hand-​bagged from a San Yisidro dairy for $ 1.1.0. He still has that first sale in a frame in the front office today. Amid sales, Bill squeezed in time for homework and community volunteering.

Bill completed college and raised his three children at City Farmers while becoming a community champion. For nearly three decades Bill has served on the board of the San Diego Chapter of the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers. Bill speaks at various Career Days, Community Meetings and Hobby Clubs inspiring others to pursue their passions in gardening.

City Farmers Nursery also recommends

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Hardware Stores

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Appliances

Bill T. says,

«One of San Diego’s finest independent hardware stores, Ortwine’s is fairly priced, friendly and family owned.»

Tire Depot, Inc

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Tyres

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Bill T. says,

«Honesty, reliability + quality service = Tire Depot. Our fleet of vehicles – from old to new – have rested in the capable hands of Tire Depot.»

B and B Auto Repair

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Bill T. says,

«For 25 years we’ve used B and B Auto Repair. This family-​owned enterprise is honest, reliable and keeps you informed on the status of your vehicle.»

Chiquita’s Mexican Food

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Mexican Restaurants

Bill T. says,

«Wonderful local Mexican food, family owned with amazing frozen margaritas that come from a Slurpee machine. We’ve held many holiday parties here!»

Nate’s Café — CLOSED

64

reviews

Traditional American Restaurants

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Coffee & Tea Shops

Bill T. says,

«Named after City Farmers Nursery’s grandpa – Nathan Tall – Nate’s Café is the perfect spot to lunch before or after strolling through the nursery.»