This is my first time growing, i am only gonna start with 1 plant now..and I need to know what cfl to get and good wattage for just one plant. after looking around, since i am sorta on a budget..a 55 watt cfl looked good but I could use someones opinion.
If you want to stick to your budget and you only want to grow 1 or 2 plants, I would use cfls - look for 6500k bulbs for veg, and 2700k for flower, and get the highest wattages you can find. I use 23 watters for my veg area, and a combination of 40 watters and 23 watters for my flowering closet.
Even if you are growing only one plant, the more light the better, especially for flowering. CFL's are good to get your feet wet with growing. When you know more about whats really goin on, then you step up to big lights and awesome genetics.
Also, read the FAQs on this site, there is already a wealth of information available.