Hi Nancy,

I think;, a whole cherry tomato was dropped a year ago. Proper conditions allowed the seeds to develop and grow.

There is information on the internet regarding viable tomato seeds from tomatoes.

I do not know if they are safe to eat because I do not know where they were grown. Back yard, probably ok, with rinsing, front yard: no

Also possible that a bird or animal ate a tomato somewhere and pooped seeds out In your yard . Unless your soil is contaminated with something toxic, should be ok to eat.

Yes, birds are efficient distributors of seeds. An animal stomach does a nice job of fermenting them, which is necessary for growth. Yep, looks like cherry tomatoes. I have to assume that they are safe to eat. Well, be careful about Horse nettles, which are poisonous and cherry tomato-like in shape, though I don't think those fruits get bright red. They stay green or yellow.

https://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/2014/09/11-toxic-wild-plants-look-food

The fact that the seed passed through an animal is irrelevant to the safety of the fruit.

Tomatoes are mainly annuals, as they are not freeze tolerant, but they were probably "planted" earlier this year.

Do you have neighbors who grow cherry tomatoes?

Lucky you! As others have said, a bird or other animal could have "dropped" them, or maybe a neighbor tossed a bad tomato over the fence last year. They look like grape tomatoes. I would eat them :).

Linda

" Back yard, probably ok, with rinsing, front yard: no"

Huh? I grow almost all my veggies in my front yard. The veggies don't care. But yes, one would like to believe your soil isn't contaminated. My uncle has a back yard with contaminated soil, actually. People tend to dump crap in their back yards rather than their front yards.