It might be more difficult planting seeds directly in 5:1:1. The seeds and new root shoots need constant moisture all around them. I'd just put in a 1/2 cup or so of some seed starter peat based mix right in your container and plant the seeds in that. Or do the normal, and start them in a separate pot or 6-pack.

Or do both and see which works better. Plant directly in the 5:1:1 and in a starter mix as backup.

We'd like to hear how they compare in someone's actual experience.

I've had good luck sowing seeds in vermiculite.

Everything you have listed, with the exception of the peppers, are vegetables I normally direct seed in my garden, so I would sow them right in the pot they are to grow in. The peppers I would start in smaller containers and then transplant them when they have developed a couple sets of true leaves. If you are really counting on these I might invest in a small bag of seed starting mix.

Asparagus, good luck with that. Strawberries may or may not produce any fruit for you this year, however they are pretty plants in containers, just know you'll need a lot of them if you have visions of big bowls full of ripe berries.

And you are right about the season. I'm not sure where you are in NC but you could be 'pushing' the season on warm growing vegetables and a little 'late' on the cool season ones. Growing in containers though allows you more flexibility, so have at it!

Jim

You may want to opt for buying seedlings at this point. Just bare root the transplants directly to your 5-1-1, if this is the route you choose.

If not, I would opt for starting in the 5-1-1 (or gritty)over anything else mentioned above. You will just have to make sure that the seed doesn't fall down too deep into the mix. You can achieve this by laying down a little bed of peat or pine dust for the seed to sit on, then cover it with a thin layer of the same. Water gently with a spray bottle. The roots will grow down into a free draining, well aerated mix, and they will have an amazing start on life!! Starting your seeds in the same type of mix that you plan on growing them in will allow for a seemless and stress free transition to their final home.

PJ

I don't have as much experience as others on this forum, but I'll mention that my experience with starting seeds in a 5-1-1 mix was not great. I started spinach, lettuce, and multiple types of tomatoes in it and was disappointed at the rate of growth. Since being planted in late Jan and early Feb, the tallest tomato is only about 2 inches. Meanwhile, tomatoes that I planted in the Jiffy seed starting mix on Feb 26th are already 4 to 5 inches tall. I may have done something wrong, but I won't be doing that again.