Hard to avoid a peat-based mix since 99% of them are nothing more than peat, perlite or vermiculite, and some lime to neutralize the pH. To that, some manufacturers will add various forms of fertilizers to their growing mixes (not the seed starting mixes). But I would also disagree that it is the peat based mediums that increase the likely hood of damp-off. Soil/dirt based mixes have a far greater incidence of damp-off associated with them. But primarily, damp-off is caused by excess moisture and that lies in the hands of the gardener. ;) Here are several previous discussions on various mixes - note the distinction between sterile seed starting mixes and growing/potting mixes. My personal preference is ProMix BX, recommended by many, but it is not available everywhere. What brand of potting soil do you prefer? Seed starting mix? The BEST seed starting mix? Good seed starting mix? There are many more that a search here will pull up for you but these should get you started. Dave

Dave--no need for plant food since you are going to transplant them right away anyway. Seeds have have their own food source when starting out. Duane

Many thanks for the fast reply Steve. I do have a lot of clay so I will add the fines. eahamel, I bought 5 gal bags (great price) from Wild Rose, but I was able to find 7gal bags, a middle size not available from above, at Horticultural Specialties( no link,sorry, but an easy google). I also bought their 10 gal bags as well, the price was about the same as Wild Rose. I figured I could try different sizes and see what happens over the next few seasons The price /shipping is not cheap but if this works I will be soooo happy. Here I come Sebright Gardens!!!! Pat

We used Sunshine #1 and #2 mix in the school greenhouse and it worked great. #1 was used for starting seeds and then we would transplant the seedlings to #2 mix and up-pot them with #2 as well. It worked great for that, but we never used it with containers. I don't know if it's the same stuff as what you posted, because it came in the 3.8 cu ft compressed bales. At the nursery I interned at, we used 4 parts sunshine #2 mixed with 1 part perlite and 2 part peat moss (I think that was the ratio. Some plants had a different mix). That also worked great and some of these plants were to be sold the next season. I would recommend making your own mix if you plan on using it for a prolonged period.