Thanks for the link opie, got a lot of good ideas there. I was planning on doing a hydroponic grow as my first grow, but with all the problems I have run into while trying to build a drip/aero system, I am just going ahead with dirt. Now I figure I can just lay a pump in a res and set it on my digital timer for whenever I need to water.

With the soil in mind, what does everyone recommend for a good first grow soil mix. I will be able to test and adjust ph. I do have hydrotron already purchased, would it be okay to use it instead of a vermiculite for drainage ?

Thanks all for the comments
thex420 Reviewed by thex420 on . How do I keep plants alive while on school breaks ?? Has anyone who grows while they are in college had to leave their plants for 2-3 weeks for their christmas break ? I was wondering what you would have to do to keep a veging mother alive when leaving for an extended period of time. I would think this would only be possible in a dirt setup but if its possible using a hydro medium I would like to know that as well... Let me know what you guys think.. Rating: 5