For "seed starting" it's best to use a seed starter mix and not potting soil. My local Lowes sells the "Jiffy" brand for seed starting.

ok anyone else? So many different kinds......

Seed starting mix is quite different from most container or potting mixes and tends to be not great for any long term plantings. If you are starting seeds you intend to grow on in containers, I'd use both. Start the seeds in the seed starting mix and pot up in the regular container potting soil mix.

Brand names are pretty irrelevant as there are only a few nationally available brands - Miracle Gro, Black Gold, Pro Mix and a few others. Most of the rest are local producers. And they will all be pretty much the same if purchasing somewhere like Lowes or HD. Almost entirely peat with a small amount of perlite tossed in and maybe some composted animal or wood product. Some might have a fertilizer component and/or a water holding component but neither are necessary and typically just add to the cost.

If it's for plants you're not keeping, I would go with whatever's cheapest.

I have not had good experiences with seed starting mix. The complete lack of nutrients, meaning I have to remember to feed, and get the timing right, just adds a layer of complication. Potting mix you just stick them in and keep them watered, and by the time they need to be fed, they're ready to go in the ground.

One doesn't fertilize with seed starting mix. It is used for the germination of seeds and once they have developed at least one set of true leaves, the starts are generally pricked out and up-potted to a semi-permanent home. It is not until they reach that stage that they require any fertilizing. And that could be weeks from when they are ready to be sold or planted out. They will need consistent fertilizing during that period to develop properly and be in the best health.

I like to use miracle gro.

Pro-mix seems the best you can get without additives in a large size, but not sure if your Lowe's would carry that. As gardengal said, they all are pretty much peat and perlite. Avoid bags with a lot of "composted" wood, since the wood generally isn't much composted yet. keep it simple, the more expensive bags are still the same peat and perlite.

The cheaper bags often come complete with the eggs of fungus gnats which are no fun, and eat seedling roots.

Once I bought Kellogg Organic potting soil. It was horrible. The consistancy of sawdust. It wouldn't hold water and compacted when wet. But I did use it dry to store bulbs and it worked great. Not a bad bulb in the bunch after being stored all winter.

I learned my lesson. I don't buy anything that says organic, not even food. It's usually is terrible.

I like Miracle Grow Seed Starting and Potting Mix in the smaller blue bag.