Even city-folk can take this wonderful task on and have lots of fun while doing it.  One thing about growing herbs is you don't have to have a huge back yard and tons of acreage.  A simple window sill will do just fine.  So, how do you save money by growing your own herbs?

Everyone knows what types of seasonings they like on their food.  The best thing to do would be to determine which herbs would be the most useful to you and your family.  To grow herbs, all you need is a sunny area, fertile soil, and a little time.  If your soil is clay or sandy, you will also need to add organic material such as compost or manure to get the best results. (Don't let the manure part frighten you).  Once herbs are planted, make sure they get at least an inch of water each week, and keep the area weeded.  If you have added plenty of organic material to the soil prior to planting, you probably won't have to worry about feeding the plants for a while.  If you do not have a whole area to devote to herbs, it's okay, squeeze them into your flower beds.  They make a beautiful arrangement with flowering plants and also serve as a natural insect repellant.  Just make sure the area gets plenty of sun and the soil is fertile and weeded on a regular basis.

Containers - You can grow herbs in containers provided they get enough sun.  When growing in containers, you will have to water on a daily, sometimes twice daily basis.  Be sure to check the soil often to make sure it is not drying out. You will also have to fertilize the plants often because as you water, the nutrients get drawn out of the soil.

Cost - An herb plant at a nursery will cost you around .99 cents to $5, depending on the size of the herb.  It's best to purchase the smallest size to save money.  Think about what kind of an herb you are buying.  If it's an annual, it will provide you with enough herb to still make it worth the purchase.  You can propagate plants by division, cuttings or seed, which means more herb.  If the herb you purchase is an annual, it means it will come back year after year to provide you with fresh leaves for cooking and will be getting bigger every year.  You can also propagate annuals by cuttings, divisions and seeds.

If you want to save even more money, start the herbs from seeds or get a division from a friend, neighbor or relative.  Growing your own herbs can be fun and very rewarding...getting you ready for the biggest reward of all, cosmetic surgery.