OK ... Tools of the Trade.
When using Powdered nutrients it's best to have a Scale to weigh out the proper amount. Some Scoops & small cups help to weigh it out. Also best to have at least a 5 ml. Eye Dropper to measure liquid nutes.
pH is something that's debatable. Some say there's No Need to pH when using a buffered soil like Fox Farms Ocean Forrest (what I use). Other's say it's best to pH. Like I said before, I do a lot of things the Old School Way. I do it because I know these ways are tried & proven for many, many years.
I don't know the exact science or if it's just Bro-Science being passed around about not pH-ing your nutes. I know it doesn't hurt to do it so why not be on the Safe Side & pH. Only takes a few minutes.
So I do pH my nutrients. They say 6.4 - 6.5 is the best pH for soil grown plants. If it were Hydro or Coco, yes .... you must pH those grows to a pH of 5.8. I've grown all 3 ways.
I shoot for any pH between 6.2 - 6.6 & call it good enough.
Most of the time you will need pH down should you choose to pH. If you don't have pH down you can use Lemon Juice to lower your pH.
You rarely use pH up. Most of the time when you use it it's because you used to much pH down & have to raise it back up. If you don't have pH down you can use Baking Soda to lower your pH.
Another thing that can be used is Epsom salt, should you get a Magnesium deficiency.
There's lots of Home Remedies for things. If anyone has got one please feel free to share it. This thread is to give New Growers all the knowledge they can handle so they can start growing comfortably.
Dish Soap & Water for Powder Mildew & using Molasses at the end of the grow to enhance Terpenes are a few others.
I do things a little different, but this gives noobs a good base line to work with 
