Most of us might have never heard about Mortgage lifters. We will find out in this article, why Mortgage lifters are called so and some other interesting facts about mortgage lifter tomatoes.
Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are so ubiquitous across continents. They are easy to grow and form a big part of any cuisine across the world.
They are consumed in diverse ways, raw or cooked, in many dishes, sauces, salads and drinks.
There are various types of tomatoes with various nutritional contents. Among all the varieties, including Grape tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, Green tomatoes, Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are unique; something we are going to talk about in a while in this article and try to explore various things related to mortgage lifters.
MORTGAGE LIFTERS – ORIGIN
Mortgage Lifter Tomato has an interesting history.
William Estler of West Virginia said to have been developed a variety of tomato that he called Mortgage Lifter.
William Estler had the name “Mortgage Lifter” in the year 1932. Some sources also claim that Mortgage lifter was not originally developed by William Estler but by M.C. Radiator Charlie Byles.
The original Mortgage lifter tomato weighed about 2 pounds with mild sweet flavour. It is considered to be the most famous heirloom tomatoes.
William Estler took more than 6 years to successfully cultivate and develop the variety of tomato that was bigger, stronger and also disease free.
People from across the country visited his nursery to buy seedlings. He started to sell each seedling for $1 and there was high demand for this particular variety. Soon, he was able to clear his home loan of $6000 and clear all his debts – hence the symbolic and unique name “Mortgage Lifter” came up.
HOW TO GROW MORTGAGE LIFTER TOMATOES?
SOIL PREPARATION AND GROWING MEDIUM FOR MORTGAGE LIFTER TOMATOES
Mortgage lifters are considered heavy feeders. It means just like any other tomato plant needs regular fertilization and watering, they also need the same.
One must need to prepare the soil by keeping in view lowering the need for frequent fertilization and water.
GROWING IN CONTAINERS
If you are planning to grow the plants in a container, then using soil mix would be a good way to go.
To prepare the soil, take one part of the garden soil and then mix it with an equal amount of organic compost. A mixture of leaf mould and vermiculite can also be added. About 10 to 20% of cocopeat or perlite should be added to make the soil mix light and more water-absorbent.
For raised bed, the amount of compost should be increased to the topsoil in the ratio of 70% compost and 30% cocopeat and soil.
Mortgage lifter tomato plants are the same as other plants with the same features like long branches and bigger fruit sizes.
Proper support is needed to hold the branch as both plants the fruits are heavy.
Size of the container should be 8-10 inches wide and 10-12 inches deep. The above mentioned soil mix and about 6 feet support stick must be used for a better result while growing mortgage lifter tomatoes in a container.
GROWING IN OTHER MEDIUM
One can grow a mortgage lifter tomato in soil based media or water. All you need is well drained organic soil mix with a soil ph of 6-6.8 for growing mortgage lifter tomatoes.
Like any other tomato seed, mortgage lifter tomato seed also needs to be put in healthy moist soil and for that matter, any media that can consistently maintain moisture and heat can be certainly used for the germination of tomato seeds.
1. Take well drained organic nutrient rich soil mix.
2. Make sure that the soil mix has proper moisture and warmth for a better and quicker germination.
3. Seedlings should be kept indoor for about 2 weeks. Night temperature of about 55 degrees is ideal for plant growth.
4. Next step would be to relocate and transplant the seedlings to a place where they can grow well. While transplanting, make sure that about half of the seedling should be inside the soil to foster stronger root system development that can help the plant to stay solid and bear heavy fruit.
IDEAL TIME TO GROW MORTGAGE LIFTER TOMATOES
Mortgage lifter tomatoes usually have a long fruiting season.
After germination, it takes about 75 days for fruiting.
The ideal time for growing Mortgage lifter tomatoes indoors is around mid Feb to March end as it reduces flowering time when you shift the plant to outdoors.
Another way would be to monitor the outdoor night temperature and if it is within the prescribed range, then it can be shifted. Just be patient with the process, it would definitely provide you a bumper harvest.
IMPORTANT GROWING TIPS FOR MORTGAGE LIFTER TOMATOES
- When you are planning to grow mortgage lifter tomatoes, make sure that you are providing at least 6 weeks for the seedlings to get established before you plan for a transplant.
- Make sure you are planting the seedling well below the soil line so as to promote stronger root system.
- Being an indeterminate cultivar, Mortgage lifter tomato has a fairly long harvest window, starts around 75-79 days from transplant.
- Avoid planting mortgage lifter on soils that have yielded tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant for 2 years.
- Black plastic mulch can be used to keep the soil warm early in the season.
BENEFITS OF GROWING MORTGAGE LIFTER TOMATOES
There are numerous benefits of growing mortgage lifter tomatoes.
Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are rich in vitamins including vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin K as well as potassium.
These are perfect for canning, making sauces, and slicing.
As these tomatoes are fairly disease resistant, they produce a continuous batch of tomatoes throughout the season.
COMMON PEST PROBLEMS WITH MORTGAGE LIFTER TOMATOES
Mortgage lifter tomato plant is prone to some pests and commonly found tomato diseases. Though they are stronger than others, still huge infestations can occur if not detected earlier.
These tomatoes can be affected with APHIDS, MEALYBUGS, and CATERPILLARS.
Especially, mealybugs infestation can be very rapid and severe. It can cause severe damage to both plants as well as fruits.y
To deal with these pest problems, you can mix 1 spoon of neem oil with 2-3 spoons of liquid soap in 1 liter of water. Mix it well and spray on both sides of the leaves. You may have to repeat the process several times until the bugs are controlled.
HOW TO CARE FOR MORTGAGE LIFTER TOMATO PLANT
- Make sure to use balanced organic fertilizer.
- One can also add organic compost to the soil every month.
- Use strong support strings to tie long branches.
- Regular washing and cleaning of the plant is encouraged but make sure to be gentle with flowers and fruits.
- Pruning the branches at regular interval promotes more flowering and ultimately good fruiting.
START YOUR MORTGAGE LIFTER JOURNEY
Now that you have come this far, you must have been familiar with this extremely unique thing called mortgage lifters. So what you all are waiting for, go and grow mortgage lifter tomatoes in your home garden and make this juicy healthy fruit a part of your daily diet. Do share your experience if you are already growing any heirlooms and also share growing tips along with the pictures of your home garden.
