This will be my 1st real bro. I'm growing in a 4 by 4 tent . Using a HLG 650R for veg and flower. I will dial the light down for veg. The only other time I have tried this I used Coco And bottled nutrients. I was doing well but I had to end the grow about 3 weeks in so I learned very little. I'm considering soil because it seems that it might be easier tha Coco for my 1st actual grow.
I'm considering using Fox farm's ocean forest. I've read that people add things such as earthworm castings and microbes and even mix with water day before to get nutrients To start breaking down so that plants can up take them. Can somebody suggested a good mix to get me started? And is it a good idea to cook your soil 1st? Thank you to this great community.
I think I have something that may help you decide. I feel like I did a pretty good job writing out the pros and cons for soil vs coco in this article: https://www.mrgrowit.com/post/2018/03/13/soil-vs-coco-coir-whats-better-for-growing-cannabis If you go the soil route, this video may help you not make some mistakes:
When you say "earthworm castings and microbes and even mix with water day before to get nutrients", I believe you're referring to tea brewing. Here is a good introduction video to that:
Hope this helps. Let us know what other questions you have.