Seed compost

i use vital earth and new horizons compost which is peat free. Seeds in beds spread with 3" compost have grown well. Beetroot and cabbage in modules in a coldframe have grown well. But leaks in modules have been very poor, in one case 20% germination after six weeks, in the other 80% but three weeks for the first to appear. Anyway, I sowed more leaks in John Innis seed compost made with loam, peat and sand. The first seedlings are up after two weeks, already one in five in the coldframe, none outdoors, despite the cold weather. 

I think the problem is that the peat free does not hold water, and hence it dries out far too fast. It is also very woody. The John Innis retains moisture. 

I'm in the group that thinks that people who buy peat based compost are Beelzebub's little helpers, but next year I will sow leaks in modules with peat based compost. 

Has anyone found a peat free alternative? I might trial organic rotted stable manure next year.