How do I care for watermelons?

Question

a couple of months ago we had ate some watermelon and one of the kids dumped the bowl of seeds in the garden, now of course I have 20 ft of watermelon vines with probably 100 sprouts. I have placed an owl in the garden to deter the birds (I don't think it will be enough though)

What should I feed them? and what is an easy way to keep the dogs away?

My kids are so excited about the watermelon patch, so we want to grow them.

any suggestions? the cheaper and easier the better!!

By the way I live in the Southeast zone 8, it will be plenty warm until October.

Thanks

Answer 1

The best way to get good melon is to only allow one fruit to grow per vine.  clip the weaker ones off so all the juices go to the one.  When you water, water deep, then let it sit for a while, 5-6 days.  They love warm soil.