Stanley Tucci may call a London townhouse home, rather than the Tuscan countryside. But his life of fresh, ingredient-driven cooking is rooted deeply in Mediterranean traditions. In his now-famous TikTok and Instagram videos, social media platforms on which he has a combined 8 million followers, The Devil Wears Prada star can often be seen cooking in his outdoor kitchen. He’ll pluck a sprig of basil, slice a fresh tomato, or grate a lemon, taking viewers straight to an “al fresco” lunch in Italy.
Tucci’s acclaimed CNN series Searching for Italy was a love letter to the Italian landscapes that most tourists dream of. It featured produce from the Amalfi Coast like lemons and Sicilian tomatoes, celebrating regional ingredients. He brings that same philosophy home to London, where he highlights herbs and vegetables that urban gardeners can grow at home, even in small spaces.
You don’t need a massive garden in Montecito to reap the benefits of Tucci’s Italian cooking ethos. You can bring a taste of Italy to your balcony, windowsill, or urban patio with a few of our practical tips and product ideas. By growing even a handful of these Mediterranean staples at home, anyone can bring a little sensory magic to their meal.
1. Choose Pots and Containers Thoughtfully
Good containers are the foundation of any garden, especially when you’re working with a small space. Terracotta is a classic, and it’s breathable, but it does dry out faster, so that’s something to keep in mind. The Royal Horticultural Society warns that while drought-resistant Mediterranean herbs are great for containers in warm climates, they should have good drainage to avoid soggy roots.
“Many new gardeners don't understand how to water container plants,” says Ellen Zachos, a gardening expert who runs the blog Backyard Forager. “Containers made of porous materials like clay or wood lose water via evaporation through the sides of the containers as well as through the plant itself (transpiration) and the soil surface. These container plants will dry out more quickly than the same plants grown in ground and so require more frequent watering. Many people also don't water deeply enough, i.e., until water runs out the bottom of the container.”
Pro Tip
If you live in a warm climate or a place that gets very hot in summer, group smaller containers together so they can retain humidity and give each other a bit of shade.
2. Pick Plants that Reflect Tucci's Ingredient Focus
Stanley Tucci’s cooking often makes Italian herbs the main character – herbs like basil, rosemary, and oregano are favorites. He also makes sure never to forget Italian staple fruits and vegetables like tomatoes and lemon, which are exactly suited to a small-scale container garden. Studies of urban sensory gardens show that aromatic herbs have a therapeutic impact on people’s mental health, especially in bigger cities.
So, how can you reap the benefits of a container garden, not only for your lunch and dinners but for your mental health as well? Always start small. “I use basil and rosemary all the time, and both do well in containers,” says Zachos. “Thyme and mint also do well in containers, but I don't use them nearly as often, so for me, they're not as versatile... but maybe they are for my next door neighbor. I think the important thing is to plant what you like and will use.”
You can start with a couple of herbs and expand from there. Plant basil and oregano in sun-facing pots, then move on to rosemary in a deeper pot. Add a citrus plant like a dwarf lemon tree for fragrance... and because it looks so Italian. This Meyer Lemon from Fast Growing Trees would sit perfectly on an outdoor patio, even an urban one.
3. Design for Access and Ease
Stanley Tucci’s meals are always simple and surprisingly quick, meaning if you want to emulate his style of cooking, you should make your garden user-friendly. Place herbs near doorways or windows so you can quickly grab them while cooking.
Also, consider using raised stands so you aren’t constantly having to bend over when you want to grab something. Use vertical supporters or plant tiers to maximize your space without making it feel overcrowded. These Plant Support Stakes from Amazon are perfect and come in a pack of 12.
Pro Tip
Water your herbs more frequently in summer and use self-watering inserts (especially if you’re forgetful or short on time). You can also use moisture-retaining granules to reduce the need for maintenance. These Soil Moist SMN3 3-Ounce Absorbing Granules from Amazon will help your container garden thrive.
4. Grow with the City Rhythm
Stanley Tucci often seeks out the best ingredients for his Italian-inspired dishes, and urban gardeners can certainly take cues from this by choosing plants that thrive in their environment. Mediterranean herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary (basically the trifecta of flavor in Italy) are naturally suited to big city environments, or busy gardeners, as they can handle the sun and occasional drought.
To keep your container garden thriving, give your plants at least 6 hours of sun a day when you’re able to.
Pro Tip
Add mulch or light colored gravel, which will mirror the sun-baked soil in Italy. Even better, it saves water while giving your garden the feel of Tuscan authenticity. This KolorScape Brown Decorative Stone from Walmart perfectly captures the stone paths on Italian alleyways.
