this is a good all purpose mix ...

https://www.lowes.com/pd/PRO-MIX-Pro-Mix-2-cu-ft-Potting-Soil-Mix/3733135

if you need more drainage for trees or stuff that prefers it drier.. or more air in the pot add mini bark chunks or some such thing ...

frankly.. it a good place to start .. and someday.. when you want or need to get fancy.. you can try making your own mix... per Als many posts ... but .. imo.. for newbs ... just try this stuff ... and when you get to a hundred or 2 pots.. you can make a big batch of your own making .. with certain qualities you desire ...

as you note.. the WWW has many downsides .. like plant porn .. lol ... but the worst thing about it is TMI ... it just gets all so overwhelming ... that you spend so much time reading and worrying.. and then actually miss planting time because you are frozen with indecision ...

try this stuff.. learn how to use it ... and move on with life ...

keep in mind.. you can use anything in a pot . if you learn how to use it ... and perfect said use .. by why complicate your life with the hard stuff ...

you want something that will hold water.. but drain the excess .. and not compact down so there is no air for the roots ... and you should be all set .. this stuff will cover about 99% of plants... [assuming you learn to let the pot near dry between waterings] ...except lets say.. cactus ... the peat will just hold to much moisture that the cacti wont appreciate ...

ken

Dont sweat it. They're easy. Just find something grittyand not peaty. And its getting rather late to plant them and get the full benefit so just do it asap.