I have tried them all soil/dwc/aero/dtw/rdwc. I started in soil, and it can be easier, but soils, or what nutes do to it, can be a problem (like growing in general). Organic gardening does make it easier as far as PH, and zero salt buildup). I would recommend soil for a nubie, until the process of understanding just general growth patterns of a pot plant is accomplished. I now use a recirculated drip system using a chiller (cost me $200), and what I learned from soil definitely helped me in understanding the importance of PH problems and nute and salts build up in the medium that is used. I find it easier to do hydro, as long as you have a res system, as you can do all your modification in the tank. Plants seem to love a good drip, it is easy to modify what your plants are getting, just do a res change and start over. The plants react fast, which is really good for a 8-10 week grow, as soil definitely takes longer to react to a problem. For example, if soil is N depleted, or anything else. it will take a week of adjustment to bring it back to where you want it in soil. Hydro, you will see a reaction in a few day's. As they say, to each there own, but my way is the best (lol)