I grow in soil and I have not had too many problems. I agree though, never kill your plants unless they are male. As a new grower I would encourage you to document all you do , you know like A journal. This way you can track your successes and failures and learn from them. I never get rid of my babies until the die on their own. I have three seedlings right now that are looking a bit sick, yet my other 12 are healthy and strong as fuck. Why? Well when I look back at my notes I can pinpoint when it started what was different, what was right etc., So the babies are doing better and I found the problem. You see trial and error will lead you to the path of experience.
Also I would suggest, HIGHLY reccomend using an additive called super thrive. It will give you an awesome root structure and provides vitamins the plant needs. I got a decent size bottle for like 11 bucks. I hope to watch your first grow become something good for you. Please feel free to ask any thing you need help with. If I dont know the answer there are good people here who do.
I have pics if you want to see my grow...........good luck~