I use 50% starter soil (0-0-0), with 10% cactus and succulent soil, 30% perlite, and 10%[FONT=arial, sans-serif] vermicullite, I buy the starter soil at a garden centre and make sure I avoid miracle grow. I normally buy no-name brand, and ask the store owner for a return guarantee when it has bugs in it. Never saw a bug though. I mix it up and let it rest for 10 days, with a bit of pH adjusted water in it. For nutrients i only use pH Perfect Sensi Grow A+B and Sensi Bloom A+B, supplemented with some B-52. I am no expert and this is my first grow. This recipe is keeping the plants nice and bushy, with plenty of CFL everywhere. Hope this helps you.[/FONT]