I also have been and just getting out of your situation. Sometimes no matter how much reading you do, nothing beats real life experience. It is also considerably hard with these forums for other users to know exactly what it is you are doing. The most important thing I have learned so far is, DO NOT OVERREACT! (or a quote from my favorite book and movie, DO NOT PANIC) I made this mistake on my first grow. We try to change everything and beyond at the first sight of problems. Usually what happens is we make so many changes that the plants are stressed beyond all recognition, and if something did work you don't know what it was. These plants are very resilient, if a problem occurs make an educated decision and stick with that resolution for a few days to a week. If the problem persists then you know you were wrong, and can try again. I feel confident in saying that on your next grow you will have good soil that is prepared with perlite for proper drainage, and an adequate amount of lighting before you germinate the seeds.

I have experienced what at the time I thought was being ignored by the veterans of growing on here, but I am coming to realize that they went through this process at the beginning also. So, (imo) they don't bother that much with some people at the beginning of their cultivation endeavors, unless they believe you have done your homework and are applying proven methods that are available, only through dedication of your time.

Sorry for being so long winded. All I was trying to convey is with time it will all come together. I look forward to following your grow log.
Happy growing :hippy: