Hi Raaneal, I hope your plants got over the thrips well! I know of growers that use the same potting mix as a base soil and add amendments such as dolomite lime and perlite. Perlite helps with aeration and drainage. More photos would definitely help us to help you. However, from what I can see the leaves are curling up (tacoing) which is a strong indication of heat stress. (Or russet mites which should have been treated by the neem anyway). Can you get an oscillating fan blowing air above the plants? Are you using any nutrients ?