Well I'm not completely set on anything yet all I have bought so far is this light stand kit to use in early stages that has a draw string to raise and lower the T5 grow light that came with it, RR plugs, the tray for starting and a timer. I believe that's all, I already ballasts with MH and HPS bulbs, though I'll probably buy new bulbs since I was told they don't work as well once they've been used for like a year. But my point is I'm not set on a soil or anything yet and just wanna go in whatever direction will be better for and easier on my plants and of course not too complicated for a first timer.