When Ralph and Juana Laub became empty nesters, the pair decided they needed a hobby and growing giant produce was a natural fit. The lifelong gardeners decided to put their massive gardening space to good use once there were less mouths to feed. Their passion for the hobby over the years has paid off as they secured their second state record in competition at the Utah Giant Pumpkin Growers weigh in last month at Thanksgiving Point. The Laubs took 1st place with a 22 inch round tomato weighing 3.7 pounds. They also took 4th place with an atlantic giant pumpkin weighing 870.5 pounds and 4th place for a long gord that measured 91.5 inches. The Laubs big win of the day, however, came during the weigh in of their home grown watermelon, weighing 217.5 pounds. Not only did it easily secure 1st place but it broke the previous state record by nearly 90 pounds! Ralph Laub says the hobby has a fantastic community that connects people across the United States. The Laubs have traveled to meet expert growers who have mentored the couple and taught them the tricks. “It’s really not hard,” says Ralph. “We just listen to what they tell us. We do it and it works.” The Laubs are bringing out more produce for the state of Utah’s second and final weigh in for this harvest season in Pleasant Grove
on Saturday
. Among their produce is another Atlantic Giant Pumpkin that is expected to be over 1000 pounds. Congratulations and good luck to Ralph and Juana Laub for representing the Basin so well!
