yo man i also live in northern usa..i have the same problem..if they wont germinate i usually just throw them in soil and within 3 days it should sprout..works for me
i cut a clone with out gel or anything..yesturday it was goin to die..i went back today and it looks much better..maybe its rooting by itself without any gel or powder
im a first time grower so im no help lol..but i kno that miracle grow soil isnt very good..and when u go back in the veg stage use nitrogen for the nute