Low-stress training (LST) instructions: Gentle plant growth for higher yields

Imagine that your plant doesn't just grow on its own, but develops exactly the way you want it to - bushy, strong and full of flowers or fruit. Sounds good? Then Low Stress Training (LST) will be your new best friend!

Instead of simply letting your plant grow or stressing it with radical pruning, use a gentle method: bending instead of pruning. By carefully guiding the shoots to the side, you ensure that more light reaches more places. This means

🌞 Every shoot gets enough sun - no wasted energy
🌱 Bushier growth instead of asparagus shoots - your plant makes better use of the space
💨 Better air circulation - less mould, fewer diseases
📈 Higher yields - more flowers, more fruit, more joy for you

And the best thing? It's super easy! You don't need expensive equipment or a green thumb. Whether you're growing tomatoes, peppers or other plants, LST will help you get the best out of them.

Let's get started! I'll show you step by step how to train your plants - without stress (for you and them 😉).

What you need for LST - your little toolbox 🛠️🌱

Before we get started and get your plant in top form, you need a few little things. The good news is that you don't have to run to the DIY store or spend a lot of money. You either already have most things at home or can get them cheaply.

Here's your little LST toolbox:

🔗 Gentle binding wires or pipe cleaners - The key to LST is carefully securing the shoots. Soft wires with a rubber or fabric coating are best. Pipe cleaners or special plant tapes also work great. You should avoid hard wires or cords - they can cut into the plant.

✂️ Scissors or scalpel - Even though LST doesn't actually require cutting, it can sometimes be necessary to remove a leaf or correct a troublesome shoot. Sharp scissors or a small scalpel will help you to work precisely without injuring your plant.

Bamboo stakes or plant netting (optional) - If your plant is getting particularly large or you want to steer it in a certain direction, you can stabilize it with bamboo stakes or plant netting. This can be particularly helpful during longer growth phases.

📎 Clamps or clips - If you don't have space in the soil or substrate to fix the shoots, you can attach them to the edge of the pot with small clips or paper clips. This keeps everything where it should be.

💡 Patience & dexterity - Yes, it may sound trivial, but LST isn't a one-two punch technique. It's about slowly and gently getting the plant into the right shape. If you proceed carefully and give it time, it will reward you with strong, bushy growth.

That's it - that's all you need to shape your plants perfectly. Now comes the big question: when is the best time for LST? 🌿⏳

The right time for low stress training ⏳🌱

Timing is everything - this also applies to LST. If you start too early, the plant is still too tender and can be damaged. If you wait too long, the shoots become woody and are no longer easy to shape. So the trick is to wait for the perfect moment.

When should you start LST?

The ideal time for low stress training is in the early vegetative stage, i.e. when your plant is still young but stable enough. The rule of thumb is

✅ From the 3rd to 5th pair of leaves - The plant is large enough to cope with stress, but still pliable enough for gentle training.
✅ If the main shoot is flexible - Young shoots can be bent without resistance. As soon as they become harder, it becomes more difficult.
✅ Before the flowering phase - As soon as the plant enters the flowering phase, it concentrates on fruit formation. Then it is too late for LST.

Which plants are suitable for LST?

Not every plant reacts in the same way to low stress training. Some species benefit particularly from it, while others hardly need any training. Here is a brief overview:

🌿 Perfect for LST: Tomatoes, peppers, chili, herbs (e.g. basil), many ornamental plants and of course some other varieties that benefit from bushy growth.
🚫 Less suitable: Very woody plants or extremely fast-growing species that hardly respond to training.

If your plant is still young and the shoots can be gently bent, then now is the perfect time. So: roll up your sleeves - now it's time to get down to business! 💪🌱

Step-by-step instructions for low stress training 📏🌱

Now it's getting practical! LST may sound complicated, but it's super easy if you know the right steps. The aim is to control the growth of your plant so that more light reaches all the shoots and the energy is distributed more evenly.

Here are the step-by-step instructions:

After a few weeks you will see: Your plant will grow denser, healthier and with more flowers or fruit! 🍃🍅 Now just observe regularly and readjust if necessary - but don't worry, you've got it under control. 😎

Avoid typical mistakes with low stress training 🚫🌱

LST is a gentle technique, but mistakes can be made here too. Don't panic - even if something goes wrong, the plant usually recovers. To make sure you get everything right from the start, here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

❌ Bending too much - shoots are flexible, but not indefinitely! If you bend them too jerkily or too much, they can kink or even break off. Solution: Always work slowly and carefully. If a shoot does break, you can stabilize it with tape or a plant clip - it often heals itself.

❌ Wrong material for fixing - Wires or cords that are too hard can cut into the plant and hinder growth. Solution: Use soft binding wires, pipe cleaners or special plant training clips.

❌ Training too early or too late - If you start too early, the plant is still too tender. If you wait too long, the shoots become hard and can hardly be bent. Solution: Find the perfect time - the 3rd to 5th pair of leaves before the plant becomes woody is ideal.

❌ Do not adjust the fixation regularly - plants grow quickly! If the fixation remains in the same place for too long, it can cut into the tissue. Solution: Check every few days and loosen or reposition as the shoot gets thicker.

❌ Irregular training - bending once is not enough! The plant continues to grow and adapt. Solution: Regularly readjust until the desired shape is achieved.

If you avoid these mistakes, nothing stands in the way of a healthy, bushy plant with lots of flowers and a rich harvest! 🌿🚀

Your plant, your success 🌱🏆

Congratulations! If you've read this far, you're now well equipped to take your plants to the next level with low stress training. And the best thing about it? It's a simple but incredibly effective method - without any complicated tools or radical interventions.

With a little patience, gentle manipulation and regular readjustments, your plant will not only grow bushier, but also healthier and more productive. More light, more air, more flowers - sounds like a perfect plan, doesn't it? Of course, things don't always go perfectly straight away, but that's completely normal. Plants are robust and forgiving of small mistakes - as long as you treat them with care.

So what are you waiting for? Try it out and see for yourself how your plant transforms into a strong, productive beauty. And if you have any questions or want to share your successes - let me know! Happy gardening and happy growing! 🌿✨