The only thing I do to keep my plants from getting leggy is:
- I put them only a few inches beneath my shop lights so they don't have to 'stretch' up toward the light.
- I set up a fan across the room, point it toward the plants and run it on low. I assume this has the effect of a gentle wind and my plants seem to do much better outside when they get the 'fan treatment' prior to setting out.
That seems to work well for me. I'm not sure on the pinching thing. Wouldn't that damage the plant?