There are lines of eager customers waiting to get in. Standing six feet apart, of course. Many in protective masks. And shoppers are not allowed inside the main building. “But we’re fortunate to be open,” said Green Gardens Nursery manager Skylar Eppler, “and right now we’re seeing a huge increase in feed-yourself gardening. Customers are swooping up all sorts of veggie plants, herbs, fruit trees, planter boxes, and soil.”
Many Pacific Beach businesses have shuttered their doors because of the coronavirus. But Green Gardens Nursery on Cass Street at Beryl Street is open and thriving. “We’re in that ‘essential business’ category because of food, we’re selling vegetable plants and seeds, fruit trees of all kinds and herbs,” said Eppler. “Business has increased by 30% overall. Because many people aren’t working right now, they have time on their hands and many are turning to edible gardening. We’re selling everything from A to Z, apple trees to zucchini seeds.”
Eppler admits he and his 10 employees would rather be self-isolating like most people. But, he added, “We’re lucky to have the opportunity to work. Finding the balance is the ultimate goal, keeping ourselves safe from the virus, keeping the customers safe, yet trying to stay in business.”
In fact, Eppler pointed out he hasn’t had to let go of any of his employees. “I’ve added shifts for them because so many customers want to grow their own produce right now.”
While many racks are empty at grocery stores, there are racks and racks full of vegetables, herbs and fruit trees surrounding the Green Gardens property. Eppler explained there are five times more veggie and herbs racks than a month ago. “We used to get veggie and herb deliveries maybe twice a week. Now we’re getting deliveries every day.” Green Gardens has been a Pacific Beach landmark since 1978, but the manager said he’s never seen such a quick boost in business. “People are looking for things to do. We have queues of customers waiting to get in on the weekends.” There are guidelines for shoppers. Customers must wait in line with a safe distance apart. Only four customers are allowed inside at a time. Employees are wearing masks. And all sales are done at an outside table. “I’m trying to make sure both staff and customers are comfortable.”
Food gardening is nothing new during tough times. “Victory Gardens” were popular during World War II to help reduce pressure on the public food supply. They were a morale boost. Those Victory Gardens provided hope for better things to come. Sound familiar?
