Vogue's urban gardening guide features expert advice from Gardenheir and French Laundry specialists

Vogue's guide emphasizes the ingenuity required for urban gardening in confined areas. Alan Calpe, co-founder of Gardenheir, asserts that small spaces can be rapidly transformed, while Teresa Kao from The French Laundry Culinary Garden recommends beginning with a single planter. Effective gardening necessitates careful planning, measuring available space, assessing sunlight, and establishing a clear purpose. Full sun means receiving six or more hours of direct sunlight each day. Urban gardens often encounter obstacles from surrounding buildings that impact light and wind. A quality potting mix enriched with compost is advisable. Vegetables such as lettuce and arugula, along with herbs like cilantro and basil, can thrive in partial shade. Containers should have drainage holes, and larger pots are advantageous. Maintaining proper spacing is vital, and essential tools include gloves and a watering can. Utilizing vertical space and exploring indoor gardening options are also beneficial. Gardening fosters well-being, making spring an opportune time for planning a garden.