Hey, dude, happy to help, searching old posts is a hassle. Miracle gro is fine though some ppl seem to knock it a bit. Manure is good but I would make it a mix of MG soil, topsoil, the manure, and some perlite, doesn't have to be a science, though. if you're fertilizing, the manure isn't very neccesary. MG fertilizer works well, but if you read the contents it lacks many of the micronutrients needed and their soil certainly doesn't contain much. I prefer a product called Dynamite you can get at home depot, asmuch as I hate that place. Follow the directions and sprinkle on top of the soil. As for starting seedlings if you're going to use the pots just start them directly in the pot. If you prefer to start in the little peet containers that's cool too. Grass doesn't seem to mind transplanting too much when they're seedlings unless you really rough them up. Well, good luck, happy gardening.