You can use prefertilized soils to start seedlings in, your buddies are just worried about them being burned by rich soil... which is easy to do in the very beginning. If you decide to use this kind of soil, it would be a very good idea to cut it with about 1/4 perlite. In fact, most starter soils could probably use added perlite, as they generally contain a good bit of peat, which retains moisture really well.

If you're willing to order products online, I've heard some really good things about a brand of soil called Promix. They won't sell it at any of the stores you listed, but you may be able to pick up a bag from a hydro shop near you. Try to Google hydro shops in the area that you live in, and maybe it'll surprise you with a location that's not too far from where you live. If you break down and just decide to buy the prefertilized soil, make sure you add the perlite to it, even if the bag says perlite already comes mixed in. They never seem to add enough.
Mr. Clandestine Reviewed by Mr. Clandestine on . Seedling Starter Mix Lowe's/HomeDepot/Walmart Hi everyone ,I am having trouble finding a starter mix to start my seedlings in.I have only Lowe's /Home Depot/Walmart to shop at.If anyone could tell me what i can buy at any of these stores that will work. A How to do starter mix using stuff from Lowes/Home depot/Walmart would be great as I have been to all three and asked for a starter mix and this is what they tell me to get: Lowe's >: 1.5 Cu. Ft. Seed and Sod Soil will this stuff work?? garden center link: Lowe's Garden Center: Rating: 5