They need some fertility in the soil, but not a whole lot. I grow on a sandbar, so I use a bout 300 lbs/acre of 10-10-10. I apply a 100 lbs at planting, a 100 ponds at first cultivation and a 100 lbs at last cultivation (when vines begin to run). You can accomplish the same results with two tons of manure incorporated at planting. You can do the math for a smaller area.

I just plant the seeds in composted manure. If you have a local livestock auction they'll let you have it for free. Or you could check with a local nursery to see what fertilizers they carry.

Abby

I plant mine in a field and fertilize at planting depending on what the soil sample recommends. Then when the runners are about a foot long, I scatter a double handful of 34% ammonia nitrate (nitrogen) around the plant about a foot back from the base being careful not to get any on the runners. Then I take a rake or hoe and work the nitrogen into the soil. The nitrogen will melt with moisture. This is what works for me.
Shot

{{gwi:34369}}