Curry leaf is easy to grow, they sell this plant at Indian spice shops in Los Angeles. I think cinnamon is a tree. Haven't looked into cardamom.

Thank you! I'll try to look around Indian spice shops for some saplings... I also heard flea markets. Any advice is welcome, of any sort! Thanks guys.

Zach, have you looked at the "Edible Gardening" section of Garden Web forums? (Also, "Balcony Gardening" for practical inspiration.) For local spice plants or info, you might talk to people who grow/sell organically, for instance, at farmers' markets. Let us know how your hunt goes - makes me hungry thinking about it!

You CAN grow turmeric & ginger from the roots sold @ markets. & they'll do OK in pots.

Hi Zach

Since you have small space, you can grow a lot of herbs in pots depending on the size and what do you like it will be your choice. Seeds or transplants of basil, coriander will do well in pots. I had a curry leaf in a pot also and if you keep it trimmed it can be kept small.
In my garden now I have different types of oregano and mints in pots. A small garden bed with chives, parsley, coriander, thyme, lavender, basil and sage.

Silvia