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tomato volunteers

Square Foot Gardening List - http://www.flinet.com/~gallus/sqft.html

If the seed came from hybrid plants, or if you had several types of 
tomatoes fruiting at the same time, then you can't guess exactly what 
tomato your volunteers will come up and turn out to be.
If you have the space, and aren't picky about hybrid efficiency, then by 
all means, move them and let them mature. You may have something great, but 
normally, when a plant reverts to it's wilder (open pollinated) parents, it 
combines the traits that is best for the plant and offspring, maybe not 
best for the gardener. (tomatoes may have early fruit, but thin flesh, lots 
of seed, wild rampant vines with few fruit, etc.) Squash and cukes usually 
turn out 'gourds', things we wouldn't think of as desirable crops for 
harvest. Peppers may have 'mean' bell peppers or mild chili peppers when 
seed is harvested from those who have pollinated each other.
I have two tomatoes in my greenhouse, the macaws dropped seed from 
something they ate and I have volunteers now. Leaf structure, plant scent, 
nothing looks like anything I'm familiar with. As it's away from my OP 
stuff, I'm letting it fruit out just to see what comes of it.
If you have the space and time, let them mature. You may have something 
really good. If you are unsure and don't want them taking up space, rogue 
them out.
Seeds sprouting out of the compost usually means the pile didn't heat up 
long enough nor hot enough. Your compost may need a nitrogen boost to kick 
start the heating process, some extra turning, more/less watering, 
depending on current status.
hope this helps
martha


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