Santa Cruz Nurseries: Where to Find Your Next Plant Babies

We’ve got the dirt on the best nurseries in Santa Cruz County! Whether you’re landscaping with natives, designing a water-wise garden, planting a veggie patch, or adding some indoor greenery – there’s a garden shop or bargain grower just for you. 

 

Here are some well-fertilized favorites that we regularly recommend to our clients:

 

You know what grows easily and sustainably in Santa Cruz County? Succulents. You know who has greenhouses full of them? Ortega Nursery in Watsonville. The family-owned nursery, named “Watsonville’s Budget Gardening Wonderland” by Good Times, draws gardeners from Santa Cruz, San Jose, and beyond. As one Yelp reviewer from Hayward gushed, “You cannot beat the price- ANYWHERE in the Bay Area! This place was GIGANTIC.” Cash only. 30 Paulsen Rd., Watsonville.

Have a question about why your fruitless tomato plant or that weird brown spot on your lawn? Head to The Garden Company for the answers. The folks at this family-owned Santa Cruz nursery on Mission Street have massive gardening experience. It’s also a super cute place to shop for gifts. 2218 Mission St., Santa Cruz.

 

San Lorenzo Garden Center near downtown Santa Cruz gets two green thumbs up. It’s our go-to place for bulk veggie starts as well as tools, pots, and irrigation supplies. If they don’t have what you’re looking for, they’ll order it for you. 235 River St., Santa Cruz.

 

If you live in San Lorenzo Valley or fancy yourself a homesteader, head to Mountain Feed and Farm Supply. Not only do they know and stock the plants that grow best in our area, but they also offer workshops on everything from canning and fermenting to cheesemaking and beekeeping. And they sell all the tools to help you do it. You’ll enjoy the ever-changing selection of seasonal plants and bare-root specialty fruit trees. 9550 Hwy. 9, Ben Lomond. 

 

Another popular Santa Cruz nursery is Far West Nursery, stocked with plants known to thrive in the Central Coast’s microclimates. They sell everything from tropicals to drought-tolerant and deer-resistant plants. Located in the Live Oak neighborhood at 2669 Mattison Ln., Santa Cruz.

 

Looking for healthy houseplants, beautiful pots, home goods, or unique gifts? DIG Gardens, a locally-owned nursery with two locations in Santa Cruz County, is a sure bet. Sign up for their newsletter so you don’t miss upcoming interior plant design workshops like wreath-making, designing with succulents, and building terrariums. 420 Water St., Santa Cruz and 7765 Soquel Dr., Aptos.

 

If you’re passionate about indoor plant therapy, head to Leaf and Vine in downtown Santa Cruz. This specialty houseplant place is a breath of fresh air! They also sell art prints and planters created by local artisans. 1532 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz.