Growing Watermelons for the first time .... hints and or knowledge

[Botany]

Grown in central OH in a 15 gallon tube set into the ground w/
a mix of top soil, compost, and silica sand.

Growing like champs!

What pests do they get?

Can I prune or train the vines?

[Viva_La_Revolution]

1. just let them go...

just watch for rot, cause they'll need lots of water once you have fruits growing. I don't remember ever having a pest problem with them, but I was just a kid. :)

What variety did you plant? I grew up in the sandhills of Colorado where they grow the best watermellons in the world at the Brophy Farm.

[Botany]

2. Sugar Baby Watermelon

I have some little fruits under some flowers now, I am worried about
Squash Vine Borer.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

3. wilting plants?

I googled. :)

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2153.html

[Botany]

4. No ....

But I have grown Cucurbitaceae – (the cucumber family) –
before and I have had problems I was looking for a good
and hopefully organic preventive.

From what i have read i see that keeping the plant healty and
hydrated seem to be keys.