ok i will tell you a few things that made my first grow suck. first off you need a ec ppm meter. i have the blue lab truncheon meter and it works wonders. since i have had my meter no i have had no problems with feedings. second you need a good ph meter as well. i have an oakton meter which is doing a great job also. third get some hot shot no pest strips in your grow area. i had mites and gnats my first grow and they ruined everything. since ive been using the no pest strips i dont have mites or gnats. from my experience those things i listed are THE most important when starting a first grow. as for whether soil or hydro i go soil. if you use soil buy some fox farm ocean fresh soil and some fox farm light warrior soil and mix the two. your plants will love you because of it.