Growing soon need some tips.

Ok, So this is my first of many posts and I will start a journal once I start growing but first I need a few pointers and have a few questions.

well, i am going to grow indoors in soil, no hydroponics but I would like to know which soil I should buy (Lowes) and how big of pots should I should buy. I only want 1 or two plants so I will be planting 3 or 4 seeds. I need to know what type of light I need to buy and what I need to set the fixtures up or whatever, can I just plug it into the wall? I have read about 400w metal halides but I think that is a bit much for 1 or two plants. This would be for personal use and I want to start small. I have a good closet that is a decent size but I think I will do it in my basement so that if anyone comes over they won't smell it. Also does anyyone think if I plant 4 seeds any will survive or all will be males? sorry im a bit sceptical and have a history of bad luck.
thank god for this site.

shameless self bump

Get lowes mg moisture control or what other say supersoil. Umm get some
cfls about 300w a white spectrum and redish. Couple fans thermometer. And foxf.mutes or organics

what is the white or red spectrum? is that just the color it emits? also what is foxf.mutes or organics? thanks for posting

edit: there are some metal halide 400w for 30$ and if im growing 1 or 2 would one of those work? or should i stick with cfl and how many cfl should i get?