ADVICE ON FIRST TIME GROWER

I was looking for advice on what soil, bulbs, and what ever else i may need.... i dont know so i need info from stage one, just growing one plant. I've grown one before but it was male and nothing good came from it.

--what helps it from being a herma. or male ?
--what material,what lamps and what height should the lamps be? just cheap lamps(lol)
--what are some ways to increace the buds potency?

--how long does it take to sprout buds?


thanks for the help.:D

there is a growing forum you know

Ask / look around here:
http://boards.cannabis.com/basic-growing/