Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Garden Center in Nashville Since 1932
Bates Nursery has been a cornerstone of Nashville's horticultural community since 1932. Founded during the Great Depression by Bessie Bates, our nursery has grown from a modest greenhouse operation to a premier destination for quality plants and gardening expertise. We specialize in container-grown plants, offering an extensive selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, and specialty plants that cater to both homeowners and landscaping professionals. Our commitment to soil quality led to the development of EarthMix brand soils, formulated with real topsoil and natural nutrients to ensure optimal plant growth. With three generations of family stewardship, we combine traditional values with modern horticultural practices to provide personalized service and expert advice.Our state-of-the-art inventory system offers real-time availability information, empowering customers to make informed purchasing decisions. Through educational initiatives like our 'Gardening Inside Out' podcast and Botanical Bootcamp webinars, we strive to cultivate gardening knowledge in our community. As a Monrovia Boutique partner, we guarantee premium plant quality from trusted growers. Our dedication to customer satisfaction is reflected in our 100% satisfaction guarantee on EarthMix products and our commitment to helping every customer achieve gardening success.
Services
Trees
Shrubs
Perennials
Houseplants
Tropical Plants
Landscape Supplies
Container Gardening
Soil Amendments
Plant Delivery
Gardening Education
Details
- Year established: 1932
Highlights and features
- We offer the widest selection of container-grown plants in Middle Tennessee
- Our proprietary EarthMix soils guarantee optimal plant growth with real topsoil
- Three generations of family expertise in horticultural best practices
- Real-time online inventory with daily availability updates
- Complimentary educational resources including webinars and gardening podcasts
What people say
Exceptional plant selection
Knowledgeable staff
Helpful gardening advice
Quality EarthMix soil
Excellent customer service
Services
Container Plants
We offer a comprehensive selection of container-grown plants including trees, shrubs, and specialty varieties. Our plants are cultivated for optimal root development and transplant success. Available year-round, these plants ensure immediate landscape impact with guaranteed quality.
EarthMix Soils
Our proprietary EarthMix soil products feature genuine topsoil and natural nutrients for superior plant growth. Formulated without chemical fertilizers, these soils work equally well in vegetable gardens and ornamental landscapes. We guarantee complete customer satisfaction with our soil solutions.
Local Delivery
We provide delivery services for plants and bulk materials within Greater Nashville. Our fleet includes specialized trucks for different material types. Delivery eligibility is determined by zip code with options for both plant and soil product deliveries.
Gardening Education
Through webinars, podcasts, and in-store experts, we offer comprehensive gardening education. Our Botanical Bootcamp series covers all aspects of plant care. The 'Gardening Inside Out' podcast provides weekly expert advice for Nashville gardeners.
Landscape Supplies
We stock complete landscaping materials including mulch, soil amendments, and decorative elements. Our inventory supports both residential and commercial projects. All materials are available for pickup or delivery with expert guidance for proper application.
People
David Bates
Owner
Third-generation nurseryman continuing the family tradition started in 1932. Oversees product development including the EarthMix soil line. Combines inherited horticultural wisdom with modern gardening innovations to maintain nursery excellence.
Bessie M. Bates
Founder
Visionary founder who established the nursery during the Great Depression. Her determination created a legacy of quality and service that continues through three generations. Remembered for pioneering spirit and commitment to horticultural excellence.
Questions
Do you offer delivery services?
Yes, we deliver plants and bulk materials within Greater Nashville. Delivery eligibility depends on your zip code.
What makes EarthMix soils special?
EarthMix contains real topsoil with natural nutrients, no chemical fertilizers, and guarantees plant growth success.
Can I order plants online?
Yes, our online store shows real-time inventory for pickup or local delivery options.
Are you a family-owned business?
Yes, we've been family-operated since 1932, now in our third generation of horticultural expertise.
Do you have gardening educational resources?
We offer webinars, podcasts, and in-store experts to help with all gardening needs and questions.
What plant varieties do you carry?
We stock trees, shrubs, perennials, houseplants, tropical plants, and specialty landscape specimens.
Reviews (2)
Anna Gregory
Jun 14, 2018
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I love this place! I don't go very often mainly because I get overwhelmed by the amount of vegetation and I can't afford to buy everything! Everyone is friendly and helpful. The variety of plants and garden accessories are great and reasonably priced. Most of all I love Davids weekly newsletter!
Gary Toliver
Nov 27, 2017
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I have been purchasing trees, shrubs and plants from Bates Nursery for several years. Bates is the premier nursery in the Nashville area. Their stock is a little pricy, but reasonable considering the selection and variety of shrubs and plants. They have the best collection of Japanese maples the public can find in the Nashville area. If they don't have what you are looking for they will order it for you. My Wife likes their selection of annuals and perennials. If your looking for a nursery with knowledgable and helpful employees this is your place.
