Growing Grounds Downtown

San Luis Obispo, United States

5

13 reviews

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 805-544-4967
Website:
www.t-mha.org
Address:
956 Chorro St, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.2 mi1,2
0.4 mi3
0.5 mi2
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Today

Today –
Local time (San Luis Obispo) 07:09 Saturday, 28 June 2025

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

History

Established in 2005.

Growing Grounds Downtown is a program of Transitions-​Mental Health Association, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating stigma and promoting recovery and wellness for people with mental illness through work, housing, community and family services. It carries top-​quality plants, gardening goods and gifts. The wide selection of plants, cut flowers and produce for sale are grown at Growing Grounds Farms in San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria. The store also carries gardening essentials such as the best hats, pruners and gloves; garden related items like bird baths and thermometers; and gift items and products hand-​crafted locally by adults who have a mental illness. The store provides work opportunities and training for our clients, particularly those who would like experience in retail and with the public.

Nearby

Browse nearby places:
20
ft
Yello Kiss
952 Chorro St
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ft
Yarns at the Adobe
964 Chorro Street
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Palm Theatre
817 Palm St
210
ft
842 Palm Street Parking Structure
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240
ft
Mission Museum and Gift Shop
951 Chorro
300
ft
San Luis Obispo Greek Festival
Mission Plaza Downtown SLO Corner of Chorro and Monterey Street

13 reviews of Growing Grounds Downtown

No registration required
Place rating: 5
San Luis Obispo, CA
This little gem is in a sunny alley downtown. They have a beautiful selection of flowers and succulents, and they take care of the their plants well. Phil is incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about every plant we asked about. Go check this place out!!!
Place rating: 5
Paso Robles, CA
I don’t have a green thumb at all and I came into this place to hopefully find some help. Kristine was very friendly and knowledgable. She helped me pick out my first two plants and gave me tips on how to not kill them lol she was very helpful and I’m going to recommend this place to everyone. Btw it’s a non-​profit! A+ from me, I will be returning to give Growing Grounds more business. Thanks Kristine!
Place rating: 5
San Jose, CA
As you walk toward the front, there’s a sign that reads, «Shhh… You Have Just Discovered ‘SLO-Town’s’ Best-​Kept Secret!»
This sign best explains a non-​profit nursery, that benefits people with mental disabilities by creating a therapeutic environment, AND giving them jobs. The man who was working with my wife and I informed us on our new Venus Flytrap, which we named Venus Williams. He was so sweet, gave us a bag of cookies on our way out, and even offered to watch our plant for us while we were out walking around for our honeymoon. Please stop by and visit this place!
Place rating: 5
Carson, CA
Staff is friendly, and spends time to talk about their products, including how to take care of plants.
Place rating: 5
Vancouver, WA
Very cool little spot! While shopping there we learned that they are part of a non profit that helps people with mental illness! Other than that great selection and very helpful!
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
Really wonderful experience and great variety of healthy plants, helpful staff and gorgeous plants, herbs, vegetables, succulents, gifts, air plants, so much going on in there and all for a good cause. Pricing is phenomenal! Thanks!
Place rating: 5
San Luis Obispo, CA
Yes, 5 stars! I truly cannot think of anything negative about Growing Grounds Downtown. They have a wonderful variety of healthy plants, vegetables and herbs and some unique gifts. Linda was very helpful when educating me about how to care for my begonias and tomato plants. It is a quaint and historic location right across from the mission. The prices are reasonable. Purchasing at this store supports local business and mental health resources. What more can one ask for? Thanks!
Place rating: 5
San Luis Obispo, CA
If you want herbs, veggies or spices this is the place to go in SLO! Very small, cute and compact with great stuff! Little garden decours amongst the plants. Beautiful quality plants AND they can order any plant you request! Fabulous place :)
Place rating: 5
San Luis Obispo, CA
Never knew about this hidden secret until now! The plants are all very healthy and affordable, with a great selection! They have wholesale nursery open to the public on the second Tuesday of every month. Very helpful and friendly in selecting some new tomato varieties for our garden.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
A plants and gifts store built around a driveway in downtown SLO. When you look inside from the sidewalk you would want to step in. And you should. You will leave feeling better after a few minutes whether you purchase anything or not. Great staff, great cause and great plants!
Place rating: 5
Burbank, CA
Bottom line: awesome place! Like an oasis in downtown SLO. Features healthy plants and the help is wonderful. You’ll also find a whimsical collection of outdoorsy/​garden items. I recommend you drop by here. Be ready to be pleasantly surprised at the quality and value here — and marvel at how much they can fit into a small space. A portion of proceeds go to a worthy nonprofit, and the prices here can’t be beat given for what you get. You pay more at many nurseries and gift shops.
Place rating: 5
Avila Beach, CA
Take a moment and walk up Chorro Street in SLO, just across from the Mission and check out this cute, open-​air plant and gift store. Buy a gift or some plants… then pat yourself on the back for keeping your dollars in the local economy and at the same time helping to contribute to a local cause. Everyone benefits!
Lots of strong, healthy plants and clever ideas abound. I always have them build a «Plant-​ini» for my hubby on Valentine’s day every year.
Place rating: 5
San Luis Obispo, CA
I’ve purchased many plants from the store, knowing I was helping a great local non-​profit that serves our community members with mental illness. The beauty is that the plants were all so healthy and vibrant, and at reasonable prices. I bought my vegetable plants there, and they all produced amazing food!