First plant! I could use some advice!

So I'm working on my first plant, Treebeard, just to get a feel for growing and if this is something I want to explore more. And, I've ran into two issues:

1.) Powdery Mildew
2.) Root Rot(or so I'm assuming)

Luckily, my new roommate runs a grow and knew how to help me with the mildew, ventilation and spraying "baking soda water" on the infected leafs to raise the pH levels on the surface of the leafs.

My current problem is with the root rot. I neglected to trim the roots before transferring Treebeard into a new, smaller, pot that has holes for the water to flow thru. I have since added worms to help with nutrients, and with the assumption that they will eat what ever is left of the rotten roots. In the three days since, color has partially returned.

Any suggestions/thoughts?

That's a tough one, Matt. I can tell you that if this grow fails, definitely try again, because those issues are easy to avoid. Whether you started from seed or a clone, it sounds like you severely overwatered, and if you didn't have drain holes in your starter cup or pot, the problem was exacerbated. If your plant is outside, water in the early morning or if inside, water early into the light cycle to avoid root rot, and only enough so that the plant is moist. Do not water a seedling or small plant prior to transplant so much that water drains out of the holes at the bottom.

For powdery mildew, it could be a poor air circulation issue or from high humidity. When you water, are you spraying the plant itself with water or the soil? Contain the water to the soil. Do not fertilize the plant while it's infected, and you may have to apply the baking soda solution again after a week or two to make sure it's gone completely.

Check out the Grow Bible by Jorge Cervantes before you start again. Once you do it right the first time, your work will pay off and you'll wonder why you've been wasting all of your money on shit weed likely grown for profit rather than quality.

Good luck!