Hey there RIU! It's C-Dub here, just wanting to drop a little tip. Now I'm by no means an experienced grower, but I can tell you that MIRACLE GRO: SEED STARTING POTTING MIX has germinated 100% of the seeds I have tried. Just thought it would be worth the research for some first time growers to check out. You can get a bag that fills two 8'' pots for about $4 around here. It always works for me so I trust it and endorse it! I think it may be due to the fact that it has sphagnum peat moss and perlite.