This is where we differ ... advanced farmers can mix their own. Newbies should probably start with a professionally made mix. Here are my favorites in order of preference ...
1) Roots Organic "Lush" - I used to use only this until its price jumped recently. I was paying $18 per 1.5 CF. It recently went to $24 for a 1.5 CF bag.
2) Roots Organic "Original" - This is fast becoming my favorite mix. I can pick it up locally for under $14 per 1.5 CF. I do amend the soil with Roots Organic Terp Teas and Roots Organic "Elemental." The end results are very similar to "Lush" when amended like I mentioned.
3)
Fox Farm "Ocean Forest" - My knock against Ocean Forest is they are not using dolomite for buffering. Instead, they are using oyster shell. It works but takes a bit longer for the buffering to activate.
4)
Fox Farm "
Happy Frog" - Great right out of the bag if you add perlite. Its a little weaker than the others as far as nutrients so you will end up feeding it more often.
Happy Frog uses dolomite for buffering and isn't as hot. Otherwise, the 2
Fox Farm products are pretty similar.