OK lets just say I am by far no expert. That said I have read everything I could find the last year about growing... From what I gather....lets do this in steps 4 indoors...

1. veg state is the beginning life of the plant. There is controversy whether or not an 18 or 24 cycle is best. I go 20 on 4 off, if for no other reason to cool the lights. You mustgive the girls at least 18 to flourish. Common opinion on this subject seems to be use fluorecents at this stage and keep them real close or the plants will stretch to the
light creating more space between nodes(sets of leaves). At this stage you top plants if you choose... never top when flowering. Here are two ways top to or prune .....

http://hightimes.com/ht/grow/content...talrecords=988

http://hightimes.com/ht/grow/content...talrecords=988

What you have to keep in mind is that, depending on plant strain, when you flower your plant can grow by as much as 2/3 in height. Take a 6 inch plant, flower in and you get about a one and a half foot plant by harvest. This is why I prefer the sea of green
method...

http://hightimes.com/ht/grow/content...talrecords=988

http://hightimes.com/ht/grow/content...talrecords=988

2. flowering...the good part...lol..when you think your plants are ready, change your light settings to 12/12 and flowering begins. Take note at this stage the plants fertililizer needs change. I recommend finding a hydro store near you and invest in liquid fertilizer to start...making a big difference here. Its a good bet they have what you need.(cannabis requires you maintain a Ph of between aprox. 5.5 and 8, 6.2-7.5 in "dirt") Just follow the directions, and watch the leaves for chem burn(overfertilization).
You need to watch under the nodes for sex... little hairs are female, little grape clusters or flowers are male(I use a cheap magnifying glass). You will know its time to harvest when the hairs on the buds turn about 70-80% brown or red(they start kinda whitish). Hope this helps and I didnt put you to sleep....peace, 420, Legalize it, I'm out!