IMO the 5 1 1 mix is not suitable for seed starting, b/c pine barks are too coarse for most seeds. I would rather use peat moss and perlite mix. Or you can use pine bark dust, by sreennig (~ 1/8" mesh ?)

Pepper seedlings sprout no problem in a fairly coarse mix....and never show a sign of damping off. I agree that this could be too coarse a mix for certain seeds, such as Lithops (succulent), but I've used these mixes for a wide variety of other seeds, from tiny Ground Cherry (Physalis) to large Pomelo (Citrus) seeds.

Based on actual experience, as opposed to speculation, I believe freshly made 5-1-1 works well for most vegetable seed starting. The key with tiny seeds is to make sure the material around them stays moist until they germinate. I have even started tiny lettuce seeds that are lying on top of containers of fresh 5-1-1 by covering the container with plastic wrap.

I would not use 5-1-1 -- or any other potting mix -- that has already been used to grow plants in a past season for seed starting because of the chance that it has picked up soil microorganisms that can cause damping off or insect eggs. But if you want to use old 5-1-1 as part of your mix for growing on young plants, you can do that if you refresh it with fresh mix so it is no more than about 30-50 percent of the mix.

Thanks all for your help. right now I am germinating with ziplock and coffee filter then follow the advice. I know it is early but it is a lot of fun plus testing seeds.

Mr Beno