There’s no perfect way to start growing—but there are definitely a few pitfalls that can make things harder than they need to be. I’ve seen (and made) most of them, so here’s what I wish someone had told me from the start:

1. Don’t overdo the nutrients. More isn’t better—plants can burn just like we can. Follow the feeding schedule on your nutrient mix and always start with less if you’re unsure.

2. Monitor your water. Hydroponics lives and breathes through water. If you’re using tap water, check the pH. It matters. A cheap pH meter will save you lots of headaches down the line.

3. Keep it clean. Algae loves dirty reservoirs and light leaks. So keep your containers opaque and give everything a good wipe weekly.

4. Don’t grow too many things at once. Stick to fast-growing, forgiving plants like lettuce, basil, or kale. They’ll teach you the basics without much fuss.

It’s normal to have plants die on you. What matters is learning why—and trying again.