I had good success with what I asked about [IN THIS THREAD.[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/can-i-use-this-right-out-of-the-bag-dsvw-vd~5635105?n=8)

Stays moist and has some nutrients. A Wal Mart brand.

Pro Mix is my favorite. I water with half strength Miracle Gro.

I use pro mix BX to start my plants. I've been using it for about 10 years and have been satisfied with germination rates

I have been using Jiffy Natural and Organic Starter Mix for the last 4 years. I have not had any issues with it drying out. I always put my soil in a plastic container and mix it with water to a crumbly consistency before I plant in it. It does not dry out for me once I have done that. Here is how I start my seeds. Hope this helps! Tammy

The problem you're having with moisture retention may be related to the size of the pots in which you are starting and/or the type of pots in which you are starting. I have found that tiny pots dry out very quickly with soil or seedling mix. As far as Jiffy peat pots go, these dry out relatively quickly, too, unless they are kept under a dome.

The mix I use is Black Gold Seedling Mix because everything I've been germinating seems to do well in it from conifers to perennials.