How To Grow Mortgage Lifter Tomato

Picture this: juicy, enormous tomatoes, each one bursting with flavor, so big you can barely wrap your hands around them. That's the promise of the Mortgage Lifter tomato. This heirloom variety isn't just a tomato; it's a legend, a testament to one man's ingenuity and a delicious slice of history. Ready to grow your own slice of tomato heaven? Let's dive into how to cultivate these giants in your garden.

Understanding the Mortgage Lifter Tomato: A Brief History and Why Grow It

The Mortgage Lifter tomato boasts a fascinating origin story. Back in the 1930s, during the Great Depression, a West Virginia mechanic named M.C. "Radiator Charlie" Byles set out to breed the ultimate tomato. He crossed four varieties – German Johnson, Italian, English, and unknown tomatoes – for six years until he achieved the perfect result: a large, meaty, and flavorful tomato. He sold the seedlings for $1 each, and the profits helped him pay off his $6,000 mortgage – hence the name! Knowing how to grow Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes is to understand this heritage.

So, why should you bother growing them? Here's why these heirlooms are worth the effort:

1. Exceptional Flavor: Forget bland, store-bought tomatoes. Mortgage Lifters offer a rich, slightly sweet, and complex flavor that's perfect for slicing, sandwiches, and sauces.
2. Impressive Size: These tomatoes can weigh up to 4 pounds each, making them a showstopper in your garden and on your plate.
3. Heirloom Variety: Growing heirloom tomatoes like the Mortgage Lifter helps preserve genetic diversity and protects these unique varieties for future generations.
4. A Conversation Starter: Imagine the stories you can tell about "Radiator Charlie" and his tomato that paid off a mortgage!

Starting Your Mortgage Lifter Tomato Journey: Seed Starting and Transplanting

The first step in successfully growing Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes is starting them from seed. Here's a detailed guide:

When to Start Seeds

Start your tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. This gives them ample time to germinate and develop into strong seedlings. In most regions, this means starting seeds in late February or early March.

How to Start Seeds

1. Choose a Seed Starting Mix: Use a sterile seed starting mix, not garden soil. This mix provides proper drainage and aeration for delicate seedlings.
2. Sow the Seeds: Fill seed trays or small pots with the seed starting mix. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep.
3. Water Gently: Water the soil gently to moisten it, but avoid overwatering. Use a spray bottle to prevent disturbing the seeds.
4. Provide Warmth and Light: Tomato seeds need warmth (70-80°F) to germinate. Use a heat mat under the seed trays to maintain consistent temperatures. Once the seedlings emerge, provide them with 14-16 hours of light per day using grow lights or a sunny windowsill.
5. Harden Off Seedlings: Before transplanting your seedlings outdoors, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions over a week or two. This process, called "hardening off," involves exposing the seedlings to increasing amounts of sunlight, wind, and cooler temperatures each day. Start with an hour or two of outdoor exposure and gradually increase the time each day.

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Transplanting Seedlings

Once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up, it's time to transplant your Mortgage Lifter tomato seedlings into the garden.

1. Choose a Sunny Location: Select a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
2. Prepare the Soil: Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility. Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are heavy feeders and need nutrient-rich soil. The ideal soil p H for tomatoes is between 6.0 and

   6.8.

3. Dig a Hole: Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the seedling.
4. Plant Deeply: Plant the seedling deeply, burying the stem up to the first set of leaves. This encourages the formation of additional roots along the buried stem, resulting in a stronger and more productive plant.
5. Water Thoroughly: Water the newly transplanted seedling thoroughly.
6. Add Support: Install stakes or cages to provide support for the heavy fruits. Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are vigorous growers and will need support to prevent the branches from breaking under the weight of the fruit.

Caring for Your Mortgage Lifter Tomato Plants: Watering, Fertilizing, and Pruning

Once your Mortgage Lifter tomato plants are established in the garden, consistent care is essential for optimal growth and fruit production.

Watering

Water deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week. Avoid overhead watering, which can promote fungal diseases. Instead, water at the base of the plant using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system. Consistent watering is crucial for preventing blossom-end rot, a common problem in tomatoes caused by calcium deficiency.

Fertilizing

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced tomato fertilizer every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season. Look for a fertilizer with an NPK ratio (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) of around 5-10-5 or 10-10-10. Supplement with compost tea or fish emulsion for an extra boost of nutrients. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced fruit production. Bone meal added at planting helps to provide enough calcium to avoid blossom end rot.

Pruning

Pruning tomato plants can improve air circulation, reduce disease, and promote fruit ripening. For Mortgage Lifter tomatoes, prune away suckers (the small shoots that grow in the junction between the main stem and the branches) below the first flower cluster. This directs the plant's energy towards fruit production rather than vegetative growth. You can also remove any yellowing or diseased leaves to improve air circulation and prevent the spread of disease. Some gardeners swear by removing the bottom 12 inches of leaves once the plant is mature to prevent soil borne pathogens from splashing up on the plant.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases in Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes

Like all tomato plants, Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are susceptible to various pests and diseases. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

Common Pests

1. Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can weaken plants and spread diseases. Control aphids with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
2. Tomato Hornworms: These large, green caterpillars can quickly defoliate tomato plants. Handpick them off the plants or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) as a biological control.
3. Whiteflies: These tiny, white insects can cause yellowing and stunted growth. Control whiteflies with insecticidal soap or yellow sticky traps.
4. Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause stippling on the leaves. Increase humidity and use insecticidal soap or miticide.

Common Diseases

1. Early Blight: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves, starting at the bottom of the plant. Remove infected leaves and apply a copper-based fungicide.
2. Septoria Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes small, circular spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide.
3. Fusarium Wilt: This soilborne fungal disease causes wilting and yellowing of the plant. Plant disease-resistant varieties and practice crop rotation.
4. Blossom-End Rot: This physiological disorder is caused by calcium deficiency and results in a black, leathery spot on the bottom of the fruit. Ensure consistent watering and add calcium to the soil.

Prevention is Key

The best way to deal with pests and diseases is to prevent them in the first place. Here are some tips:

1. Choose Disease-Resistant Varieties: Look for Mortgage Lifter tomato varieties that are resistant to common diseases.
2. Practice Crop Rotation: Rotate your crops each year to prevent soilborne diseases from building up in the soil.
3. Provide Good Air Circulation: Space your plants adequately to allow for good air circulation.
4. Water Properly: Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage.
5. Mulch Around Plants: Mulch helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and prevent soil from splashing onto the leaves.
6. Inspect Plants Regularly: Check your plants regularly for signs of pests and diseases and take action promptly.

Harvesting and Enjoying Your Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes

Harvesting your Mortgage Lifter tomatoes is the most rewarding part of the process. These tomatoes typically mature in 80-90 days after transplanting.

When to Harvest

Harvest Mortgage Lifter tomatoes when they are fully colored (deep red) and slightly soft to the touch. The fruit should easily detach from the vine with a gentle twist. Avoid harvesting green tomatoes unless a frost is predicted.

How to Store

Store freshly harvested Mortgage Lifter tomatoes at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can diminish their flavor and texture. Use within a week for the best flavor.

Ways to Enjoy

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:

1. Sliced Fresh: Enjoy them sliced on sandwiches, burgers, or salads.
2. Tomato Sauce: Use them to make a rich and flavorful tomato sauce.
3. Salsa: Chop them up and use them in homemade salsa.
4. Roasted: Roast them with olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a delicious side dish.
5. Grilled: Grill slices of Mortgage Lifter tomato for a smoky flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Growing Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes

Even with the best care, you might encounter some challenges when growing Mortgage Lifter tomatoes. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

1. Blossom Drop: If your tomato plants are producing flowers but no fruit, it could be due to blossom drop. This can be caused by extreme temperatures, high humidity, or lack of pollination. Ensure adequate watering and pollination.
2. Cracking Fruit: Cracking can occur when the fruit experiences rapid changes in moisture levels. Maintain consistent watering practices to prevent cracking.
3. Sunscald: Sunscald occurs when the fruit is exposed to excessive sunlight, causing a white or yellow patch on the skin. Provide shade for the fruit during the hottest part of the day.
4. Poor Fruit Set: Poor fruit set can be caused by lack of pollination, nutrient deficiencies, or extreme temperatures. Hand-pollinate the flowers or apply a foliar fertilizer.

Growing Mortgage Lifter tomatoes can be a deeply satisfying experience. From the moment you sow the seeds to the first bite of that massive, flavorful fruit, you'll understand why this heirloom variety has captured the hearts of gardeners for generations. With a little knowledge and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of these legendary tomatoes in your own garden. Happy gardening!