Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Garden Center in Nashville
Bates Nursery & Garden Center has been dedicated to horticultural excellence since 1932, serving Nashville and surrounding areas with an unparalleled selection of plants and gardening expertise. Our inventory includes container-grown trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and specialty plants like Japanese Maples and edible landscape specimens. We prioritize soil quality through our proprietary EarthMix brand products, developed to ensure optimal plant growth without chemical fertilizers. Our team combines generational knowledge with modern resources, offering searchable online inventory updates and expert guidance for both homeowners and professionals. We maintain partnerships with top growers like Monrovia and Iseli Nursery to guarantee premium plant quality.The nursery's commitment to customer success is reinforced by a satisfaction guarantee on all EarthMix products. Educational resources such as our 'In the Garden' blog and Botanical Bootcamp webinars provide ongoing gardening support. Our family legacy continues through three generations of horticultural stewardship, maintaining Bessie Bates' original vision of accessible, high-quality plant cultivation. We offer local delivery services within Nashville and maintain physical operations just 15 minutes from downtown. This enduring tradition of excellence makes us Middle Tennessee's premier destination for all gardening needs.
Services
Plant Sales
Soil Amendments
Container Gardening
Landscape Supplies
Plant Delivery
Gardening Education
Plant Selection
Soil Testing
Container Rentals
Gardening Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1932
Highlights and features
- We offer 93 years of horticultural expertise and local growing knowledge
- Our proprietary EarthMix soils guarantee optimal plant growth conditions
- We maintain daily updated online inventory with over 10,000 plant varieties
- Professional staff provides expert guidance for residential and commercial projects
- Local delivery available within greater Nashville area
What people say
Extensive plant selection
Knowledgeable staff
Quality soil products
Helpful online inventory
Reliable delivery service
Services
Plant Sales
We offer the widest selection of container-grown plants in Middle Tennessee, including trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and specialty specimens. Our inventory features Southeastern U.S. native plants, tropical varieties, and edible landscape options. Each plant receives expert care to ensure optimal health and transplant success.
Soil Amendments
Our proprietary EarthMix soil products provide premium growing media formulated for Tennessee's specific horticultural needs. These chemical-free amendments include topsoil with actual topsoil content and specialized mixes for different gardening applications. We guarantee plant thriving results with our soil solutions.
Container Gardening
We provide comprehensive container gardening solutions including premium pots, appropriate soil mixes, and suitable plant selections. Our experts guide customers in creating successful container gardens for homes, offices, and patios. This service includes proper drainage solutions and maintenance advice.
Landscape Supplies
We supply essential landscape materials including mulch, soil amendments, and planting accessories. Our inventory supports both professional landscapers and DIY gardeners. Products are available in bulk quantities with delivery options for larger projects.
Plant Delivery
We deliver plants, soil, and mulch within the greater Nashville area. Our delivery service accommodates both residential and commercial orders. Customers can check specific delivery zones and pricing through our online system or by contacting our staff directly.
People
David Bates
Owner
Third-generation nursery owner continuing the family tradition started by Bessie Bates in 1932. David developed the EarthMix soil product line to address market deficiencies in growing media. He maintains active involvement in daily operations and customer service.
Questions
Do you deliver plants and products?
We deliver plants, soil, and mulch to the greater Nashville area. Delivery prices vary by zip code and can be checked on our website.
How can I search for specific plants?
Use single-word searches or combine terms with 'AND' for better results. Filter by category to narrow results. Call us if you need assistance finding specific plants.
Are low-quantity online items still available?
Online inventory reflects real-time availability but may fluctuate. For quantities five or less, we recommend calling ahead to confirm stock before visiting.
Do you offer landscaping services?
We don't provide installation services but can recommend qualified landscapers through our professional network for design and planting projects.
What do container size markings mean?
The '#' indicates gallon size while 'P' denotes pot diameter in inches. For specific plant dimensions, contact our staff directly for the most accurate information.
Do you have gardening resources?
We provide educational resources including our 'In the Garden' blog, Botanical Bootcamp webinars, and the 'Gardening Inside Out' podcast with expert gardening advice.
