Miracle Grow Potting Mix, not the soil, not the seed starter, but the Potting MIX. That's what quite a few of us, if not most of us use. It's light, fluffy and none of those twigs or chunks.

Some of us have been finding twigs and chunks in the MG potting mix. I prefer ProMix. Last year I used MG potting mix (didn't like it) and Stay Green. This year I found a couple of places that sell bags of ProMix and also got some mix that my local nursery uses for their plants.

Since we all have different experiences and preferences I would suggest you try a bag of each and see which one you like.

Miracle Grow Potting Mix, Wal-mart knock-off of same and Expert is some I have tried. I have ended up with the same trash in all so far. Which is why I have asked for your experiences with soils/soiless mixes and seed starting mixes.
The only one I have found that I liked was Jiffy and Wal-mart stopped selling this brand in my local store a few years ago and when they marked it down I purchased all they had and I used my last batch last year.
SOOOO now I need advice and experiences from fellow seed starters!

THANKS!!!
:) Fran

Pro mix. I've not been happy with anything else I've tried. I also can buy it in huge bales at a nursury supply place, getting it a bit cheaper and insuring that I have plenty.

Hi,
Baccto Profession Mix from Michigan Peat Co. is good. I get it from a local nursery in big bags.
Remy

I've used several different brands, cheap stuff (usually end up amending it to make it "fluffier") to the more expensive brands.
We have a local place that bags some expensive stuff for a local nursery to sell and we've been able to buy it in bulk (several yards at a time). So that's been the best route for me. It isn't a seed starting mix, but rather a potting mix. But it is nice and fluffy. It is a simple blend of compost and black soil.

Is the ProMix a seed starting mix, or a potting soil?

Deanna

ProMix is a potting mix, not soil. I think the closest thing to ProMix is Miracle Grow Potting Mix. I had trouble finding ProMix in my area, so I am using that.

I found some broken bags of Scott's Potting Mix at Lowes for half price. It's nice and fluffy. I'm using that. I did a couple containers with potting soil and it looks like there's nothing in there now but twigs and sticks.

Thanks Tom, I might have to try the Scott's. I am sure since you live in NC I can find that at my Lowe's too, I have never seen the ProMix anyway.

I don't like Miracle Grow any more, it isn't what it used to be!

Thanks everyone I appreciate the input!

:) Fran

I found online that Ace Hardware has ProMix.
Question: when you all talk about amending the soil what do you amend it with to make it fluffier?

Fran, if you see any bags with holes in them, grab someone in a red or blue vest and ask if you can get a discount. Don't ask that they be taped up though. They'll charge you full price. :)

I haven't found any sticks in mine. I had that in some of the miracle grow I bought this summer, but it may have been potting soil.

I'm going to use some of my "used" soil this year; most of it is Miracle Gro potting soil. Why not? There should be enough nutrients left in it to start seeds. Otherwise I have to dump it in my garden somewhere.

But I don't know what the heck I've done with my seeds :-(. I had them in an old Tupperware covered container. I bought a bunch last year.

Anyway, I'm going to start around New Year's instead of waiting until February this year if I find those darn seeds.

I don't know what the heck I've done with my seeds :-(

Check over in the Divorce rate thread. Maybe someone over there has an idea. ;)

Hope you find your seeds.

If you can find promix go with it. It is the best and fluffiest and has no chunks. Unfortunately lately I have not seen original one.

I love ProMix and was using it long before I found out about WS. Home Depot discontinued it last year. I called the HD complaint line with the UPC number to let them know how I felt. I also contacted the makers of ProMix in Canada. They were very friendly and provided the names of all the stores in my area that carry it. Unfortunately, each of those stores has been out of business a minimum of five years. I made do and mixed my own with peat moss, perlite, and dish soap, but it just wasn't the same.

Seedmama, like you, I had been buying and using ProMix long before I knew about wintersowing. I had better luck with the names of stores given to me by the ProMix online site. Both stores carry ProMix but in 2 cu ft. bags, not in the pressed bales that I used to buy at HD. I bought a couple of bags which are more expensive and feel incredibly light. Those early years when I would buy ProMix at HD they would some years have it and other years not. Maybe HD will carry the ProMix again next year.

token, "Hope you find your seeds." Me, too, it's bugging the heck out of me, but I'll worry about it after Christmas when I'm not so preoccupied.

Divorce rate, not funny but couldn't help chuckling. I'm already divorced for many, many years, so it isn't because of winter sowing. It does get lonely sometimes, but after I got used to it, I developed so many interests and quirks I don't know who would put up with me (or I them). So it does have an upside. Things finally smoothed out financially so I can enjoy a few things I never was able to before.

When I amended my soil I typically used dried shredded leaves and grass clippings to lighten the soil (we have an abundance), sometimes perlite or peat moss. But then I read up on where peat moss comes from and don't like to contribute to depleating that natural resource.

This will be my first time with Wsowing. I usually order Jiffy-mix for my indoor-sprouted tomatoes and peppers and it works well. But I get the feeling I'm going to be doing A LOT of Wsowing and that stuff is expensive. Does anyone have an opinion about Whitney Farms seed-starting mix? I think I can get a much better price on that.
Thanks!

Do not use seed starting mix for winter sowing. It doesn't have enough nutrients. Use any indoor potting MIX. You might be able to get a better price on a store brand, like Walmart's?

I got peat moss and vermiculite and will feed with compost tea...
I couldn't find a suitable Mix I liked and we don't have a Home Depot here to find out if they have ProMix so I had to use what I could.

:) Fran