Looks like a tomato seedling. These can sprout very easily from any fruit left lying around.

Transplant them while they're still small (it's fine to bury them deeper than they are growing now; additional roots will sprout from the buried stem), and give them a good amount of space between one and the next.

Mulch keeps disease organisms from splashing up from the soil onto vulnerable leaves. It also helps keep the soil moisture more consistent for a healthier plant.

Rubbing a leaf firmly would produce a distinct tomato-foliage aroma.

tomatoes can be spread by birds and squirrels.

Thanks all for the inputs & tips. Will certainly love having home-grown tomatoes. Tried crushing the leaves, but didn't get any significant tomato aroma.
I am a novice gardener.. so all the inputs are appreciated!
I had pumpkins grow from the same spot in winter, & now tomatoes in spring. guess its a nice fertile spot.. :)

Sounds like you are using material from your compost bin, perhaps?

FataMorgana

I don't have a compost bin. I have just started experimenting with gardening. I just dump all of my green waste (veg skins, seeds etc.) at the back of my yard. I guess that's how compost is made, but I don't really take any special steps... have just dug up a little there, put the green waste & cover it up with soil every time.

Yes! You are must certainly engaged in composting, well done!! There are various elective goals that people adopt in regard to composting, but no right/wrong regarding composting in general. Keep up the great work!

trupti, you are composting in situ it is the least complicated way to compost. So have I. I have been burying my kitchen waste for decades. Easy. No waste. No fuss.

And those are definitely tomato seedlings. I get all kinds of seedlings from burying my kitchen scraps. :-)

Thanks for all the motivation!!
It feels so good to see new plants come to life from kitchen waste. As I said, I have just about started gardening & its an absolute delight :) Its also a pleasant surprise to know that I have been composting without actually knowing..
Guess there's a lot for me to learn.. loving it!