Honestly, miracle grow works, but I really don't like how you can't control your own nutrients. I like using Black Gold potting soil with about 1/3 the amount of added pearlite. It does have some nutrients, but I add in Botanicare nutrients after about the first month or so. I've found much success with the Botanicare line of nutrients: Pro Grow(for veg), Pro Bloom(for flowering), CalMag, Liquid Karma, and Sweet. Make sure you go to the website and get the feeding chart which will be very helpful. I also add in some unsulfured molases right before I flush and at the very end of flowering to get a rather sweet taste.