• Fresh herbs and spices make a tasty addition to many dishes, but when you go to pick them up at the supermarket they can be rather pricey. Growing your own spices not only saves you money, but it adds a richer flavor to your foods. While some spices can be challenging to grow and maintain, there are a few that you can grow simply, either indoors or outdoors.
  
  

Chives

• Chives are a tasty addition to many dishes, and they are very easy to grow. Also known as "allium schoenoprasum," the chive is related to the onion. To grow outdoors, place chive plants, or seed, 6 to 12 inches apart in an area of full sun and good drainage. To plant indoors, the University of Minnesota Extension notes, chives need to be in pots with good drainage and need at least 6 to 8 hours of sun per day. A sunny windowsill is a good spot for chives. If you purchase plants that have already started, place them in a pot that has good drainage and light soil, such as regular houseplant potting soil. Start chives from seed right in the planter, but lightly bury the seed 1/2 inch into the soil, then cover the top of the pot with clear plastic wrap and keep in a warm location until the seeds sprout. During winter months indoors, the chives may not produce much growth, but they will once again in the spring. The plant will produce stalks that form beautiful purple flowers on top. Once these have bloomed, cut them off down at the base of the stalk to prevent them from going to seed. When you want to harvest stalks for use, cut them off at the base as well. If you produce more chives than you can use , simply chop them up and put them in the freezer. They can be used directly from the freezer for cooking.
  
  

Parsley

• Parsley, also known as "petroselinum crispum," is related to the carrot and is easily grown indoors in a sunny window, or outdoors in the garden. To keep it easy, you can purchase parsley plants that have already been started from a nursery, garden center or farmer's market in the spring. When planting in the garden, if you live in a cooler climate parsley likes full sun. If you live in an area with warmer temperatures, it enjoys full morning sun and a little afternoon shade. Parsley needs moist soil. If planting indoors, the National Garden Bureau recommends planting the parsley in a pot that is at least 12 inches deep, with good drainage and a moist potting mix. Place the container in a bright, sunny window where it will receive at least 8 hours of sun per day. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist. To harvest parsley, watch for when the leaf stems contain three segments, and cut the sprigs near the base. To store parsley, put it in a plastic baggie in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh for up to two weeks. You can also dry your parsley by hanging it upside down in a dark, airy spot. Store dried parsley in a jar for up to a year.
  
  

Mint

• There are many different types of mint, and they are all relatively hardy and easy to grow. In fact, if you aren't careful, mint can overtake everything else near it, so it is best planted alone. Mint can be started from seed, or pick up a young plant from a nursery or garden center. Plant the mint in an area by itself, or plant the mint in a container and keep it in an eastern window so it receives morning sun. According to Purdue University Cooperative Extension, mint does not do well in hot, afternoon sun as it can cause it to wilt and burn. Mint leaves should be harvested in the morning, when their oil content is highest. To dry the leaves, lay them out on a paper towel in a cool area; store dried leaves in a glass jar for up to a year.