Do I pinch out aubergine side shoots?

[Vince G]

Not grown aubergines before, but now I have the polytunnel, I thought I'd give them a bash, as I love 'em!

The 2 plants are lovely and healthy, nice big leaves and about 9 inches high, but I noticed that they are now developing little shoots where the leaves meet the stem, like toms do.

Are these mean to be pinched out, and what are the consequences if I do or don't? Is it the same theory as for toms?

[Thelma Sanders]

No, not like toms, leave the side shoots alone, the bushier the better

[binley100]

Step away from the armpits .............

[Vince G]

Righto, understood. East German female shot putter style bushy armpits it is then!