Growing plants from seed is one of the few practices that people of all gardening abilities do annually. But whether you are a newbie or someone who has been starting your own seeds for decades, chances are you are unwittingly doing something you shouldn’t. Many seed-germination practices have been passed down from gardener to gardener over time, but most of us don’t stop to question whether these practices are grounded in sound science or are simply hearsay. The following are myths that many people have bought into, along with the facts that will help you have your best seed-starting year ever—a year that will be filled with healthy plants and robust harvests.

1. MYTH: Squash seeds should always be direct-sown in the garden because their roots are sensitive to transplanting. FACT: Squashes have more resilient roots than they are given credit for. Sowing indoors and then transplanting a four- to six-week-old seedling outside can prevent pest problems. Mature seedlings are more likely than immature seedlings to survive an attack from squash vine borers, and sometimes delaying your planting by just two weeks will avoid the emergence of the borer larvae altogether. Sowing seeds inside allows gardeners in cool climates to cheat the spring season, and it leads to an earlier squash harvest, as well.