well when I grow I start indoors top it and in 2 weeks transplant outdoors and root the clones.. then begin to lst hardly slowed down and it doesnt matter as they have a whole grow season to grow!
Your soil is too compact and no you dnt need metal halide.. I start under cfl's and they workk great!! restart take the plants out of that soil add perlite for drainage and airr..
Im sorry, but who are you calling retards.. what state gets 18 hours of light? stfu dont make comments like that if you dont even know what your talking about.