Hi, Anna. Some people swear that direct seeded tomatoes will always do better. I read about this in a book by Steve Solomon. I think I remember Tony K mentioning he directed seeded his tomatoes too. So maybe some of the difference can be explained by the fact that the volunteer tomatoes are direct seeded, though accidentally.

If the seeds came from hybrid vegetables, there's no telling what sort of tomato/squash it's going to be. As I understand it, a hybrid won't come true from seed. The volunteers may have some or more of the vigor/disease resistance of the hybrid, but also may have none of the taste, or fruit size/shape, or other desirable characteristics. Then again, it may. It's a gamble because you don't know what you'll get until harvest.

If the seeds were from heirlooms then there's a greater chance they are true, but even then they could be crosses. Seed savers of heirloom vegetables will often eliminate overly vigorous seedlings, just as they do weak and sickly ones: both are signs that it's not going to be like its parent.

Bill

Anna, I have had the same experience!
I am right now growing in the yard:
2 volunteer pepper plants
at least 6 HUGE eggplant plants - I did not even know they can get so big...
a bunch of beautiful tomato seedlings

and before, I had squash pop up, and even a cantaloupe!
And all plants that come up as volunteers seem so much stronger
Although, mine most often come from watering with gray water collected in the kitchen
I think one explanation could be: natural selection process

I just love 'volunteer' plants! It's like a bonus plant for your gardening efforts!

This year was my first 'grow from seed' experiment rather than the instant way of purchasing a seedling from HD/Lowes.

I have noticed how much more vigorous and healthy my tomatoes are!! There is a difference to growing from seeds vs. buying seedlings. Maybe it's due to not having to deal with the constant shock of replanting and being moved around? I don't know. But, all of my plants are doing well that I grew from seed (except my pea plant...so, I'll be starting over with that one.).

Well, Bill, the only characteristic I care about is taste. We'll see what happens. If the first couple are not tasty, I think they will come out pronto! For now, I am enjoying watching them. My earthbox tomatoes are yielding well for now, but the plants look sorry, and they have stopped flowering. I hope they will resume.

Olya, you have a whole garden of volunteers! Now how did those beautiful eggplant taste?

i second castorp. i've shared anna's experience, too, but i refuse to chalk it up to something more mysterious than good conditions (rich soil, direct sowed, germinate when it's the right time, etc.) and not to some sort of divine intervention... both my parents were biologists, and their no-nonsense view of the world rubbed off on me.

What type of composter are you using? I am starting to think about composting.

Anna, they tasted great. Organic, no bug spray or anything - just rich compost (they popped up next to roses) and LOTS of sun
I will try to take a picture of one of the plants. They are big :)

I took a bag to Pensacola and got eggplant parm out that. I gave at least 10 to my friends at school. I cook them myself...
They have been great volunteers

It is really a matter of a strongest and most viable seeds surviving - considering there are a quite seeds thrown out, and only a few end up making. That and of course favorable conditions for the seeds
Olya

Well, Ill, with my luck growing veggies, especially tomatoes, maybe it IS divine intervention. I will let you know if the taste is heavenly.....hehehe.

In any case, today I thought I saw a tiny hint of pinkness on a couple of these toms, so maybe I'll get to sample soon. They are about the size of ping pong balls. Very round, bigger than cherries I've previously planted, but way smaller than any tomato I've planted or bought.

Olya, I have two eggplant plants that are doing well and flowering like crazy, but not setting fruit yet. Maybe the coolish weather. I hope I can boast good yields like yours soon.

Ibeleive, check out the link below. I've had these tumblers for years (they were cheaper then and were Christmas presents). Don't know if I'd recommend them. I'm small and kind of weak, so when they are full, they are hard for me to turn. A lot of grunting goes on. If I ever get another, I think I would try a larger one with the handles that turn them. Not sure. These have been very durable, tho, and have worked well. There is also a container below that collects leachate, and periodically I dilute it and give it to my favorite plants. They seem to turn dark green within days of doing this.

Anna

Here is a link that might be useful: my tumbler

composting barrels can be built very easily and inexpensively...
http://centralfloridagarden.blogspot.com/2008/05/new-compost-barrel.html