first grow help!

Ok so I'm getting ready to start my first grow and it's going to be in soil and with a 250watt hps light and I have a few questions before I start.

FYI- Going to grow BigBud x Northern Lights.

How close can I keep my light to my plant?

What size pot should I use?

What's the best soil and where can I get it?

What nutes should I use for vegging and flowering?

How much nutes should I use and when should I use them?

And for watering I hear to use a moister meter that you put in the soil. How do I use this to help me make my watering schedule?

wow ok man if u have that many questions you need to check out the growfaq.

ill answer one of ur questions that i dont think is there...foxfarm nutes are what i use/recommend. get the tri-pack with grow big, big bloom, and tiger bloom

How close can I keep my light to my plant?
250 watt HPS will efficiently illuminate 3 square feet. Keep the bulb 14-20 inches above the plants.
What's the best soil and where can I get it?
Mushroom compost, check your local nursery for this.

You can buy a moisture meter from home depot for like $10. Stick it in the pot and it will tell you how moist the soil is, couldn't be any easier.