Hi Im new to growing need some help

Hi all,
I have a few ? about growing. Im a first time grower long time smoker lol. Right now I have two plants that are growing I don't know if their male or female. I hope both are female
one plant is about 12 inches the other is about 8 inches tall both are growing in there own 5 gallon bucket with good rich black dirt I got from the river I have 2 24 inch fluorescent grow light both are 75w so 150w total. ( I have the ones you can get at walmart) they have been growing for about a month and a half 18/6. My grow room is my closet it is 4 ft long by 6 ft tall I have aluminum foil over the walls and the door to try and max the amount of light they get. The temp stays between 75 and 80 degrees in the closet. OH figure this was important I have my own place to so I don't really have to rush but..
My question is I know there in veg stage and I was wondering if I can start to flowering them now or if I should wait like another week or so to see if there male or female. And once I start to flower them how long will it be before I know what I have.
2nd ? what is the best way to switch to 12/12 and to start them to flower. I have read many things. some say just switch. Some say to go down to 16 the first day then to 14 the second and the 3rd day 12 until done. I have also read that you should let them be in dark for 24 to 36 hours before switching to 12/12. What works best and is there a way to switch them to 12/12 that helps you get more females then male or is that just a myth. Also is there a good homemade fertilizer I can make to give my ladies some food.
Thank you for your help.

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I don't know whether you should switch or not. Pics would help. I would personally check for light leaks and switch to 12/12. That's just me. good luck.

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I would actually avoid aluminum foil they can create hotspots and it also can absorb light not as reflective as something like reflective Mylar. getting something like that will make most of your light, I usually just jump right into 12 and 12... but it's hard to tell if you should start considering I haven't seen your plants, after 12 and 12 it usually takes anywhere from 7 to 14 days to show sex, can be more or less depending on your circumstances, what spectrum are the lights you have?? remember hi spectrum like 6500 K is for vegging, and lower spectrums like 2700 K is for flowering..

SEARCH FUNCTION work great for most people. but for me, i just go from 18/6 to 12/12. you could wait until they pre sex, but you might as well throw them into flower and watch for signs of sex. check them daily for sex, but they should show signs after the initial 2 week stretch. good luck...