Wasn't bad, but there's absolutely no reason I had to sit there for almost 15-20 minutes trying to pay. They only had one cashier, lady is very nice, but could NOT handle all the shenanigans of other customers and the employees. Should have had a second device or a Venmo QR code for quick ring out. Selection was so so, found a few cheaper succulents, but a sage (for example) was $40 versus another nursery had for $30 (same size). They didn't have any specialty plants I was looking for but some were nice, others very dried out/cobweb looking, if that makes sense. Some I liked, but there were only 1-2 when I needed 3-4. No grasses at the time either. May not return to be honest, but was nice to check out anyway. read more

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They really know their plants and our area. The variety they carry and the amount of plants is amazing. 3rd Generation family owned business. read more

This was one of the best customer service experiences I can remember! I was helped mostly by Bella with Erin also jumping in to help at times. I came based on Yelp reviews for reasonable prices, but the service blew me away! We were completely re-doing our backyard. I had some renderings, some pictures of plants we liked and measurements of the yard. But I know nothing about plants! I showed up optimistically thinking I would just pick out plants that I liked, grab a trailer to get them home and be on my way. When I arrived, I was overwhelmed by the size of the nursery and the options, and quickly came to the realization that there was no way I was going to pull this off. So I walked in to the office, met Bella and Erin, and explained to them what I was trying to do. And with their help, it all came together... We started by walking around the nursery and Bella suggesting different options. Then we hopped in one of the carts and continued the adventure. We settled on the different plants, then she picked up a number of each of them, and actually laid them out according to the measurements of our yard. So I was able to take pictures of where they should go, spacing, etc. Once we settled on the plan and how many plants I needed (60 in total it turned out), I ran off to pick up a U-Haul trailer while they pulled together my order. I came back paid for it all while they helped load the trailer. In the end, I spent over 2 hours with Bella's assistance, and ended up with everything I needed. For someone who doesn't know anything about plants, and hadn't hired a landscape designer or installer, Bella was able to give me all the guidance I needed to make it happen. We love the finished product and love our new backyard! A truly amazing experience, thank you Bella and Erin! read more

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What a pleasure to find this nursery after visiting so many high-priced businesses. We have a large yard to plant and could only afford to do one small strip when buying from the other guys. Today we visited Kniffing's and our prayers were answered. We were shopping for hibiscus and plumeria and we were able to get 5-gallon plants for less than the 1-gallon plants are at Lowe's or Home Depot. The guys were super helpful taking us right to what we were looking for and loading everything into their 4x4 so we didn't lift a finger. They were very knowledgeable about how big each plant will get and which plants to put together. The set-up isn't glamorous but is well laid out and full of great options. I highly recommend checking them out before you spend a dime anywhere else. read more

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Since I do not have a green thumb, I asked for advice as to what to plant to for a sliding hill. The ladies on site quickly knew what worked best and sold me what I needed along with directions. read more

I purchased four David Austin bareroot roses from Kniffing's in late January. Three of them grew healthy new shoots but one showed no sign of growth at all (all in their original 5-gallon container). So I called to inquire about returning it for exchange or refund. I had to call three times, because each time no one was willing to talk to me except to say someone would call me back. No call back whatsoever. I called again and the woman who took my call hung up on me. Finally, the owner called (presumably after learning that I'd write a review about this matter) only to deny any possibility that the rose might be defective. She angrily hung up the phone before I could finish explaining the situation to her. I've never had a worse experience with any shops and will never return to this place. read more

Many plants to choose from best prices in the San Diego area do recommend hands down drove up to Alpine to visit their Nurseries to compare their prices to high stay away! read more

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So many healthy plants and at decent prices. I'd never been to this area but was easy to find and a joy to walk around in. Everyone was really helpful from the worker walking by asking if I needed any help to another worker who suggested I pick a plant from a different spot where there were larger and fuller. The woman who rang me up knew her stuff. She told me about the qualities of some of my choices and could tell I was going for low water with all. Even the resident cat, Gary, was sweet as he sprawled on the counter for pets while my new plants were being rung up. Definitely added to my list of go to nurseries around San Diego! read more

Kniffing's Discount Nursery - More low water high sun plants - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - El Cajon, California

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I just spoke to "Judy" regarding the 5 bay laurel trees we got from the SDG&E program through Kniffing's. They arrived April root bound and first was not potting soil but native dirt - heavy and looked like cement. Judy didn't ask any questions... not where we are located (coastal) or how often watered. Just rudely made a lot of assumptions. I was just looking for advice, next steps for care... I'd cut back the dead canes and I continued to water but there are no new leaves. If this is how they represent their plants, scratching this nursery off my list. I'll drive north to the OC for better service. read more

Omg! I love this place! It's been right down the road from us from years but never stopped. We finally made the stop an I am over the moon happy with every single plant I bought. The women who help out are so kind an bonus we got to have a little kitty friend hang out of with us through the nursery. Can't wait to go back! read more

4 acres of plants to select from, and the prices were really low. Top quality trees, shrubs, flowers, ground covers, succulents, landscaping plants, and I saw a lot of products to keep them all healthy, like Dr. Earth. Expert knowledgable staff, answered all my questions quickly. Very affordable, surprised with how many plants I bought and did not feel that I spent a lot. Not hard to find, a pleasant drive out to East County San Diego. All of the plants I purchased are thriving, healthy, thanks to their advice! read more

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My husband and I went by over the weekend to purchase 2 tree's. The owner was there and she and her staff are so knowledgeable. We ended up buying 2 trees from her and we will be back for sure! read more

What an awesome nursery! This is what I look for when I am working in yard projects. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The whole nursery is clean and well organized with a variety of plants at great prices. The prices are clearly marked and most plants were labeled with the name and care instructions. I needed a few larger plants for some beautiful pots that I received for Christmas and I found exactly what I was looking for. It is also a cool place just to wander around and get ideas. A very friendly cat kept me company while I shopped. read more

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Great service and products at fair prices, my Go To Nursery for all plants including fruit trees. "Ol Bob"

I have been coming to this nursery for years for several reasons. HUGE selection and if they do not have it they will get it for you. GREAT prices and if you have a big job they will work with you. AMAZING service, there is always someone available to help and they know their stuff!!! There is an ice cream cooler on property, so stop by the office buy an ice cream and go for a walk. I promise you will find what you were looking for here. There are dogs on property, so please do not bring yours. The dogs are really friendly and love treats!! read more

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So we went to Kniffings to purchase our front yard plants. We looked and looked and picked out our 'favorite' items. One of them was an apricot tree that had lots of fruit already on it. We were so exicited about the fruit and wanted that particular tree, so we went ahead and purchased 'that' tree along with a pear tree. We asked the attendant if she could put it aside for us so that it wasn't snached up by someone else. The attendant assured us that if we tagged a 'sold' tag on it with our name clearly written on the tag - we would definately get that tree. Our landscaper was going to pick it up the next day for us since we really didn't have the accommodations to do so. When our landscaper showed up the next morning - he had an apricot tree that WASN'T the one we asked for, paid for, and tagged. It was a totally different one, and the red tag didn't have our last name on it. :-( I contacted Kniffings on Monday (after the Easter weekend when they were closed), and the lady that answered seemed perturbed that I call and informed me that she would 'look' to see if our tree was still there and call me back. Well she did not get back to me. Most dissapointing. Might I suggest that Kniffings shores up their procedures to make SURE to set 'aside' someone's purchase so that others can't steal it from them. Merely tagging an item doesn't safeguard against greedy people. They should store them in a place where there is not risk of theft. Additionally a follow through when a customer calls with a concern is also good business practice. Part of being a great retailer ISN'T just the price point.... it's everything wrapped into treating your customers with respect. Liked the price points, but we didn't like the fact that we didn't get what we purchased and the staff didn't seem to care in the least. Bad business practice Kniffings. read more

what a great nursery! They have a lot of wonderful plants and very reasonable prices, but the best thing they have is an employee named Bella. she is the embodiment of customer service. she went out of her way to try to help us and when they didn't have exactly what we were looking for she actually called another nursery to see if they had what we wanted. will definitely be back here for the plants and the service read more

Excellent family owned nursery!! Ava, the owner really knows her stuff!!!! very helpful, drove us around in the golf cart suggesting which trees and plants would do well in our area and soil. would much rather buy from a family than a big corporation, read more

Impressive selection. The plants are well taken care of and staff is friendly. Came specifically for roses and was not disappointed. Healthy plants!!! I did not plan on making a purchase today but their plants looked so good that one made it home with me.. Will certainly visit again! Give these folks a try. You won't be disappointed! read more

Eva and Judy are very knowledgeable and delightful. Had a great time seeing all beautiful growings they have.at the nursery. My trees are big beautiful and hearty healthy of great quality. Thank you everyone who helped me. I'll be Back soon I'm sure. read more

Do not buy trees here! Spoke to Eva who says it's her business and there are no guarantee on trees. I had 17 queen palms removed from my property by SDGE 6-7 months ago ( 20 plus feet height each). Because of the height they offered replacements with a choice of lower growing trees. Was not happy because 20-25 foot queen palms run thousands of dollars! Anyway they sent them from this place. Only one didn't take and I called to ask for an EXCHANGE not any money, just another tree exactly the same. Eva was very short saying I should have known the tree was dead earlier! I am not an arborist nor do I know what to look for in a dying tree! What a joke. She said talk to sdge not her problem. What poor customer service from the little businesses I always try to support! Go to Armstrong they have a lifetime guarantee on all trees and shrubs! read more

Please check out this cute and local family nursery. Over the last 2 months we have bought several healthy grape vines, fruit trees, and even ladybugs for them. They even had Pakistani mulberry trees for less than half the price I was quoted at other nurseries and this is a hard tree to find. Between them and Evergreen nursery next door, you should have all your nursery needs filled. I found them both super helpful and with great quality plants! read more

I was really disappointed in the service I received. Kniffing's is my go-to place to buy plants. The plants are healthy and the people are friendly. Until today, I am not sure if the lady was having a bad day but she was rude and condescending. The tone that I was spoken in was so bad that my friend had to jump in to clarify the question I asked. Other people standing outside waiting to pay could hear her. As we walked away, my friend stated that and they were shocked at the attitude the lady at the register had and that we never go back. I have to agree, I don't think this will be my go-to place anymore. read more

Great nursery, a hidden gem of San Diego nurseries. Great customer service. One of the few family retail nurseries left in San Diego...

Great staff. Very helpful. Good selection. I was looking for large Bird of Paradise. I couldn't find any at Home Depot. Knitting's had many large healthy ones to chose from. read more

Purchased 2 Forest Pansy Trees in January. Only one grew and the other did not. Both planted the same way and received the same water. Spoke to Ava and expected that Kniffings would stand by their products..she did not. Instead she tried to make us feel guilty. Blamed it on overwatering, planting, even gophers, which we do not have. Both plants are within 6 feet of each other and the other one is fine. It is a shame that Ava decided to play hardball on this instead of doing right by the customer. I paid for a new plant but vowed that I will never buy from Kniffings again and will tell my friends and family my story and tell them to buy from Plant House or Armstrong's. If you buy from Kniffings, please be careful because they don't stand by their products which are unfortunately substandard and you will be out the money. read more

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The grounds have a refreshing quality and being around the open mountain space is inviting. Freely stroll until something catches your eye. The owners and attendants come out regularly to speak with those in the filed, there are is pet area with a goat and adorable circular rock for it to climb on in its pen, and next to it a chicken hut as well! We have been coming to this nursery for years as a regular supply of premium organic soil for our plants. We made 2 trips this time because they were out and low on inventory but I dont mind, going there alone is such a nice time amongst the palnts and there is alway a new plant to admire while shopping. I will be returning soon, my blueberry bush took too much sun this summer and I didn't water it enough so I need to head back for another. Dr Earth Organic Soil is the brand we get. read more

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It's pronounced Niff-ings, which I'm told is actually the last name of the owners. But it looks like Knife-ings, which would be an awesome name for a nursiere (yes, I just made that word up). One of those strange ironies of the Universe. Whereas western culture used to name people by what they do, now people do what their name tells them to do. I digress. Kniffings is a great nursery; if not a little expensive. I usually shop for fruit trees. Anything you can find at Home Depot, can be found at Kniffings, for about $5-10 more. However their true strength lies in the rare and uncommon. Looking for a Cherimoya, or some hard to find citrus, avocado, stone fruit, fig, or apple? They've got it. Again, for $5-10 more than the standard prices at Home Depot; but some of this stuff can't be found anywhere else. They are also very knowledgeable and helpful. Tell them where you live, your flavor preferences, and ask them the best nectarine to plant in your yard. They are always willing to help. They have even advised me on plants they don't sell, that I've mail ordered from Florida. In short, buy your Anna Apple at Home Depot, but go to Kniffings to find that Pink Lady you've been looking for. read more

for you city folks (like me) its a little "boonies" for you. I was overwhelmed by the dogs, different offices ( its hard to figure out where the main building is), cashier desk on the opposite side of the place, and the quietness. However, it was nice, when you first walk on the property they leave you alone. As soon as you need help, they get on the radio talkies and help you. Then several employees had the product in stock. At first, I inquired from several large nurseries in SD which was out of this nice yellow knock out rose. One place (dont want to bash others but its famous in the rural part of north park) only had 2 in stock. This place said "25" I was like really? In April, I missed the flower "train". So I drove over there and they were more then helpful. They even helped me put soil in the back of my SUV. I felt like I wanted to buy the entire place but this appears to be the Costco of nurseries. Ok off to Costco! hahaha read more

Huge variety of all shapes and sizes. + costumer service is amazing. Super helpful great prices

Knifflings was a drive for us, but worth the effort (time/cost wise). Privately owned (owner lives on premises) with a large variety of plants/trees, etc. The owner was helpful with our questions and even helped load up our purchase into the truck. Prices were fair and lower than most commercial nurseries. We would like to go back when we redo the front yard. read more

Kniffing's Discount Nursery - checking out the plants/trees at Kniffings - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - El Cajon, California

A nice friendly owned business. Sergio seem to have everything that my lovely wife wanted for her garden and the some more stuff. The prices were fair and the fields were fully stocked. I know. I'll be back because she said so. read more

First time going to Kniffing's!! This place is way better than Evergreen Nursery! The owner Eva is nice and personable. We wasted our time at Evergreen looking for plum trees. We absolutely needed them today and we were told by staff that they had over 100 in stock. When we got there, there was way fewer than 100 (maybe 15 of the size inquired about) and they had looked like picked-over rejects and the reason given for their condition was that the trees were coming into season. Well, just down the road, I guess the season was in. Kniffing's had a beautiful selection and they remained open passed their business hours to let us pick two that we liked! I want everyone to know, that Kniffing's should be your first goto place when landscaping. Thank you Eva!! May God continue to bless you!! read more

Very helpful and knowledgable. I have taken in leaves to ask whats wrong with tree and they'll educate me and give me a couple options. They'll even go as far to recommend products they don't have but are what you need! Can't say enough about their customer service. read more

Awesome people, super helpful and great prices too. Totally worth the drive. I save over $80 compared to Home Depot.

They have the most comprehensive selection of roses in San Diego. Selections include new moderns as well as heirloom old garden roses. Staff are helpful and knowledgeable. They also have an extensive selection of landscaping plants, shrubs, trees, and fruit trees. The nursery is so large that staff may take you to your desired plant on a little electric cart. I have found some perfect unusual trees such as a Crepe Myrtle called "White Chocolate" that has burgundy leaves and white flowers. Prices are fair for the size and quality of the specimen. Obviously, for mature specimens you can spend a lot of money - but they're no more costly than elsewhere. read more

My Dad and I went on a Thursday morning. We were helped rather quickly by Melanie who was nothing short of helpful, informative, and charismatic. We bought bamboo and an asian citrus tree for a great price. Fun fact: The owners live onsite and whatever space isn't occupied by their house is used for their nursery. We came from National City and the drive over wasn't too long nor did we hit any major traffic. Took us about 20 minutes. I will definitely return next time I have more time and wander around and see the rest of their trees and plants. I was even so fortunate as to see a roadrunner on their property. Really cool. read more

Dawn &Hugo are very helpful. Bring some biscuitts for the friendly dogs. read more

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Good Variety of Roses, exotics and nice employees. Owner a little "bossy and loud", haha, to her employees. He (young man) WAS helping two of us at a time. All in all, a nice experience. They let you shop and walk around without the "upsell". Take a jacket as I got a little chilly. Also, they gave a military discount. read more

Staff is very helpful and experienced. Stock is very good. If it grows, they can order it. read more

Kniffing's Discount Nursery - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - El Cajon, California

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