Everything You Need to Know About Growing and Caring for Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes

Are you a tomato lover looking to expand your garden with a unique heirloom variety? Look no further than the Mortgage Lifter tomato! This large, beefsteak fruit is a favorite among growers and tomato enthusiasts for its smooth, pinkish-red skins, low-acid flavor, and impressive size. In perfect conditions, these tomatoes can weigh up to 4 pounds, making them a showstopper in any garden.

Planting Your Mortgage Lifter Tomato

To ensure a successful harvest of Mortgage Lifter tomatoes, it’s essential to start with the right planting techniques. Here’s how to get started:

When to Plant

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes should be planted outdoors when the soil is warm, typically around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In regions with milder climates, you can plant them in autumn or late winter, as long as the weather remains warm. For most areas, it’s best to plant them from mid-April to early June, once the threat of frost has passed.

Selecting a Planting Site

For optimal growth and yield, choose a planting site that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. Make sure the location has well-draining soil and avoid areas where nightshades were previously grown to prevent diseases.

Spacing, Depth, and Support

Mortgage Lifter plants are large and require sturdy support. When planting, ensure there is 3 feet of space between each plant and 4 feet between rows. To promote healthy root development, consider planting the tomatoes deep by burying up to 1/3 of the stem. Another method is to plant the tomato on its side in a shallow trench, allowing more roots to form along the stem.

Care Tips for Your Mortgage Lifter Plant

Growing Mortgage Lifter tomatoes is relatively straightforward, but there are some key factors to keep in mind to ensure your plants thrive:

Light

Provide your tomatoes with at least 8 hours of sunlight daily for healthy growth and ripening of fruits.

Soil

Tomatoes prefer rich, loamy soil with slightly acidic pH levels between 6.2 to 6.8. Make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid planting in areas where nightshades were previously grown.

Water

Water your tomato plants consistently, aiming for around 1 inch of water per week. Drip irrigation is a preferred method to prevent diseases caused by splashing soil.

Temperature and Humidity

Maintain temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal fruit set and development. Humidity levels of 65 to 75 percent are ideal for growing tomatoes.

Fertilizer

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are heavy feeders, especially the large beefsteak varieties. Consider adding aged compost to the planting area or using a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers after flowering to promote fruit production.

Pollination

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are self-fertile, but insects and wind can aid in pollination. Each plant has the potential to produce 12 to 20 pounds of tomatoes.

Types of Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes

In addition to the traditional reddish-pink variety, there is also a yellow Mortgage Lifter tomato available. The yellow variety produces mild, sweet tomatoes with red to pink stripes in the center of the fruit.

Harvesting Your Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes

You can start harvesting Mortgage Lifter tomatoes around 80 days after transplanting. Look for uniform reddish-pink color throughout the fruit and use a hand pruner to cut the tomatoes, leaving an inch of stem attached. Harvesting slightly early can help prevent pests from damaging the fruit.

Growing Mortgage Lifter in Pots

While it’s not recommended due to the vine’s length, you can grow Mortgage Lifter tomatoes in pots with proper care. Use a large container with good drainage, provide sturdy support, and water the plant regularly. Expect a smaller yield compared to garden-grown plants.

Pruning Tips for Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes

To promote healthy growth and prevent diseases, prune Mortgage Lifter tomatoes by removing suckers and maintaining good air circulation. Cut back vines as the season progresses to direct energy into ripening fruits.

Propagating Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes

You can propagate Mortgage Lifter tomatoes from suckers or start new plants from seeds. Allow suckers to grow to about 6 inches before clipping and rooting them in water. Alternatively, start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost.

Common Pests and Diseases

While Mortgage Lifter tomatoes have good resistance to wilts, they can still be susceptible to fungal and bacterial issues. To prevent problems, start with healthy seedlings, provide good air circulation, and monitor for common pests like hornworms and aphids.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are relatively easy to grow, but they can still face challenges like cracking, yellowing leaves, and uneven ripening. To address these issues, maintain a consistent watering schedule, provide adequate sun exposure, and practice good plant care techniques.

In conclusion, Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are a fantastic addition to any home garden, offering delicious, low-acid fruits with minimal care requirements. By following these tips and recommendations, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this beloved heirloom variety. Happy gardening!