Yeppers for all the above. Any of the brand variations are OK even though people tend to villainize the stuff that didn't fit with their particular methods, so that's somewhat of a clue: experiment a little and don't put all your seeds in one soil. For example, if you tend to over-water, some mixes will work better, as will some others if you tend to keep things very warm, and so on. Seed sprouting is not the same as seedling growing, and (as you are trying) can easily be kept functionally apart without worry for the most part.

Nobody can tell you what's best; they will certainly say what works for them and how they do things. Also never take advice from hot desert gardeners.

I agree with grubby's statements. I use the Jiffy brand of seed starting mix but I am sure they are mostly the same.

As for transplanting the entire pot...I am assuming you don't mean to include the pot itself. Yes they can go into the garden but they must be acclimated to the outside environment or hardened. You can start by taking them outside for so many hours then adjust this each day to increase the exposure time.

Good luck and don't forget to post pictures and updates.

Tracy

The beauty and simplicity of sowing seed in paper pots or toilet paper rolls is that the entire "container" can be planted. Just be sure to cover the pot or tp roll with soil or the top of the paper will wick away moisture from the seedling.