pH meter, check your water before you pour, check the run off as well.

Think about the harvest, much can go wrong at that point. Look into getting a dry rack and some jars... a meter for humidity will remove some of the guessing.

You got any books? The information in them can surpass much of what you get on the net.

If you can latch onto someone that has something decent. Don't give them suggestions, everyone is different... just pay attention. You can teek things later when you get better.

Oh and if you ain't getting seeds from these guys, don't mention where you'll get them, very rude.