Hi El,

I feel like you. I am in my first grow but further along. My girls are doing great.

I purchased a primium soil mix from Orchard Supply. It has the correct ph, nutrients, and water retention qualities. My plants are hearty.

When I mixed perlite, and vermiculite, my ph whent over 7 and never got back. I will never mix it myself again.

The main thing for me was finding the right fertillizer. I use "Grow Big" for veg. state and "Tiger Bloom" for flower. I am getting good results.

I hope this was some help.