You will definitely need to get some pH adjusters. It is so much easier to just buy pre-bottled adjuster than to try to go the totally organic route, and it doesn't matter that much to the organics to use bottled adjusters. I also recommend that you get a pH pen. there are several cheap ones that will last for a while. If you stay with soil/organic growing and do static setups then you won't need to constantly check pH as you will get used to it. But if you decide to go with hydroponic, soilless, and/or synthetic nutrients then you will want to get a nice pen. Just check online at Amazon or Ebay, or eseasongear.com. My favorite pens are the Bluelab pens. You will also need to get calibration fluids when you buy your pens. The pH testers have to be recalibrated periodically and have to be kept in storage solution. The 4.0 calibration solution is good for keeping the pen stored in when not in use.