yeah seriously don't attempt to plop seeds in a pot expecting results...it takes time to read and grow...dont expect your first time to be a complete success...read read read, grow, read, fail, learn, read, read, grow again, etc..There was a crapton of information in that link I posted and no way in hell did you just read it all
Take your time, sit down and read, go through posts, there are specific sections about different growing methods, and there is an entire section dedicated to grow journals where you can watch someones grow from start to finish with pictures and all the details. Absorb as much as you can and then figure out what you've got for a budget for growing equipment and by the end of all that you'll probably be able to answer alot of your own questions
Good luck!