As someone who has spent years gardening and growing various types of tomatoes, including the well-known Mortgage Lifter variety, I can confidently say that growing these heirloom tomatoes can be a rewarding experience. However, like any plant, Mortgage Lifter tomatoes come with their own set of challenges. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, it is important to understand the potential issues you might face with these beloved tomatoes. In this article, I will explore the most common problems associated with growing Mortgage Lifter tomatoes, provide insights into possible solutions, and share a few personal tips based on my experiences. I hope you’ll find this comprehensive guide helpful for your gardening journey.
Table of Contents
What is a Mortgage Lifter Tomato?
Before diving into the issues, let me first provide a brief overview of the Mortgage Lifter tomato. Originally developed in the 1920s by a West Virginia farmer named M.C. Byles, the Mortgage Lifter tomato was bred by crossing different varieties of tomatoes to create a large, meaty, and flavorful fruit. The name “Mortgage Lifter” came from the fact that Byles sold these tomatoes to pay off his mortgage. These tomatoes are known for their large size, rich taste, and firm texture, making them ideal for slicing and canning.
The Mortgage Lifter plant grows to a height of about 6 feet and produces large, pink, or reddish fruits, typically weighing 1 to 2 pounds each. Although these tomatoes are generally quite robust and disease-resistant, there are a few common problems that gardeners encounter when growing them.
1. Blossom End Rot
One of the most common issues I have encountered with Mortgage Lifter tomatoes is blossom end rot. This problem affects many types of tomatoes, and Mortgage Lifters are no exception. Blossom end rot occurs when the fruit develops dark, sunken spots at the bottom (the blossom end) of the fruit. The spots are caused by calcium deficiency, often linked to inconsistent watering or poor soil conditions. Calcium is an essential nutrient for the development of strong cell walls in tomato plants, and a lack of it can result in damaged fruit.
Causes of Blossom End Rot:
- Inconsistent watering: Alternating between overwatering and underwatering can cause calcium to move in and out of the roots, leading to deficiencies.
- Poor soil drainage: Soil that is too compacted or not well-draining can cause waterlogging, preventing the roots from absorbing the necessary nutrients.
- Low calcium levels in the soil: This can happen if you’re using soil that lacks calcium or if the soil pH is too high or low, affecting nutrient availability.
Solutions:
- Maintain consistent watering, ensuring that the soil stays evenly moist but not soggy.
- Add calcium to the soil by using lime or gypsum.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, especially with nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which can interfere with calcium uptake.
- Use a drip irrigation system to deliver water directly to the roots and reduce the risk of uneven watering.
2. Late Blight
Late blight is another common problem that can affect Mortgage Lifter tomatoes. This fungal disease, caused by Phytophthora infestans, can spread quickly through warm, moist conditions. The disease is notorious for causing rapid decay in both the leaves and fruit of tomato plants. I’ve personally dealt with late blight a few times, and it can devastate a crop in a short period of time.
Signs of Late Blight:
- Dark, water-soaked lesions on the leaves, which may spread quickly.
- White, fuzzy mold on the underside of leaves, particularly during humid conditions.
- Fruit may develop large, dark lesions that soften and rot.
Solutions:
- Plant resistant varieties if possible (although Mortgage Lifter may not be fully resistant, it can still benefit from preventative measures).
- Remove infected leaves immediately and dispose of them far from the garden.
- Use fungicides as a preventive measure, but always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Avoid overhead watering, as this increases humidity around the plant and encourages fungal growth.
3. Early Blight
Early blight, caused by Alternaria solani, is a fungal disease that primarily affects the leaves of tomato plants. While it typically doesn’t affect the fruit as much as late blight does, it can weaken the plant and reduce its overall yield. I’ve found early blight to be more of a nuisance than a catastrophic issue, but it’s still something you need to watch for, especially if you live in a region with frequent rain.
Signs of Early Blight:
- Circular, dark spots with concentric rings on older leaves.
- Yellowing of leaves, starting from the bottom of the plant.
- Rapid leaf drop, leading to reduced photosynthesis.
Solutions:
- Practice crop rotation to avoid planting tomatoes in the same spot each year.
- Prune infected leaves and dispose of them properly to reduce the spread of the disease.
- Apply fungicides or use organic options like neem oil or copper-based sprays.
- Water the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal growth.
4. Cracking of Fruit
Cracked fruit is another problem I have encountered with Mortgage Lifter tomatoes. While it is not necessarily a sign of disease, it can lead to a decline in the quality of the fruit and create entry points for bacteria or fungi. Cracking occurs when the tomatoes receive a sudden influx of water after a period of drought or dry weather, causing the skin to split.
Causes of Cracking:
- Irregular watering practices, where periods of drought are followed by heavy rainfall or deep watering.
- Rapid growth of the fruit, which can cause the skin to break under pressure.
- High humidity levels combined with sudden changes in temperature.
Solutions:
- Water consistently and evenly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
- Mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and prevent fluctuations in soil moisture.
- Harvest tomatoes as soon as they are ripe to prevent the fruit from sitting too long on the vine and cracking.
5. Tomato Hornworms
Tomato hornworms (Five-spotted hawk moth larvae) are large, green caterpillars that can decimate tomato plants in a matter of days. These pests are notorious for stripping leaves and chewing through the stems and fruit of the plant. I’ve had to deal with hornworms multiple times, and while they can be easy to spot due to their size, they are surprisingly good at hiding among the foliage.
Signs of Hornworm Infestation:
- Large holes in leaves and stems.
- Presence of black droppings (frass) near the damage.
- Missing fruit, as hornworms may eat tomatoes directly.
Solutions:
- Hand-pick hornworms from the plants, which is usually the most effective method.
- Use organic insecticides like neem oil, but apply them early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
- Introduce natural predators, such as parasitic wasps, which can help control hornworm populations.
6. Root-Knot Nematodes
Root-knot nematodes are microscopic pests that live in the soil and infect tomato plant roots. These nematodes cause swelling and knotting of the roots, which can stunt plant growth and reduce yield. Although Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are somewhat resistant to nematodes, they are not immune.
Signs of Root-Knot Nematode Infestation:
- Stunted plant growth and yellowing of leaves.
- Wilting despite adequate watering.
- Galls or swollen areas on the roots when they are dug up.
Solutions:
- Practice crop rotation and avoid planting tomatoes in the same soil year after year.
- Use nematode-resistant rootstocks when available.
- Solarize the soil by covering it with clear plastic during the hottest part of summer to kill nematodes.
7. Nutrient Deficiencies
Like any other tomato plant, Mortgage Lifter tomatoes can suffer from various nutrient deficiencies. Common deficiencies include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as trace minerals like magnesium and iron. Nutrient deficiencies can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and poor fruit development.
Common Symptoms of Nutrient Deficiencies:
- Yellowing of leaves, especially older leaves (nitrogen deficiency).
- Poor fruit set and stunted plant growth (phosphorus deficiency).
- Weak, spindly stems (potassium deficiency).
- Interveinal chlorosis (magnesium or iron deficiency).
Solutions:
- Regularly test your soil to determine its nutrient levels and amend accordingly.
- Use balanced fertilizers with appropriate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Apply organic amendments such as compost, bone meal, or kelp meal to improve soil fertility.
Conclusion
Growing Mortgage Lifter tomatoes is an enjoyable and fulfilling experience, but like all gardening endeavors, it comes with its fair share of challenges. From blossom end rot to hornworms and nutrient deficiencies, understanding these common issues can help you take proactive measures to address them before they become serious problems. By maintaining consistent care and employing preventive strategies, you can ensure a healthy and productive tomato harvest year after year. I hope this article has given you valuable insights and practical tips to overcome any hurdles you may face while growing Mortgage Lifter tomatoes. Happy gardening!
