I use Miracle Grow Seed Starting Potting Mix, then I add 10% Worm Castings (I use Black Gold because it was on sale at Osh Hardware), and 20% perlite. I mix it up in a salad bowl, add water, then pour the mix into dixie cups.
I never pre-germinate them. Instead, I soak the seeds in water for ten min, sow directly into the soil by poking a hole with a pencil, dropping the seed in, and covering it with a pinch of soil.
If the seeds are old I found that adding rooting hormone to the water helps; adding Superthrive and B vitamins is not recommended. Also the worm castings are not really needed, but I get noticeably healthier seedlings this way.