Over the years, the farm developed a mailing list to their loyal customers. They would send out notices when certain Pick-Your-Own crops were ready, and remind mail-order customers to order their melons when it was peak time. Each customer on the list received up to four postcards a year, and the cost was getting prohibitive.
But with the introduction of email, the costs of reaching out to customers fell drastically, and so Hand Melon Farm decided to go digital with its communications to customers. In order to develop a strong database of interested customers, Hand designed a Pick-Your-Own produce contest to encourage people to sign up for the email list.
“Last year’s first contest was a huge success,” said John Hand, the current owner of Hand Melon Farm. “Those who signed up for the email list now receive timely emails that alert them to crop-ripening schedules and other farm news.”
Hand has announced this year’s 2nd Annual Summer-Long Pick-Your-Own contest where one randomly chosen winner will win an entire summer’s worth of pick-your-own fruits and vegetables.
“The lucky winner is entitled to pick 20 pounds of blueberries, 20 pounds of raspberries, two bushels of tomatoes, and one bushel each of eggplant, peppers and winter squash,” Hand said.
There will also be three second-place winners, who will each win 20 pounds of pick-your-own blueberries or raspberries.
Those who wish to enter the contest need only visit www.handmelonfarm.com and register for the email list. On the farm’s homepage, there is a “Join Our Mailing List” button in the upper right corner. From there, enter your email address—once you hit the “go” button, you will be automatically entered into the Pick-Your-Own Spree for your chance to win a full season’s worth of fresh produce. The winners will be randomly chosen from the list and announced July 1.
“Winners are encouraged to preserve some or consider giving a portion of their winnings to their local food pantry,” Hand said. “And everyone who enters will receive email newsletters from our farm advising them of upcoming crop dates and events.”
Those who enter the contest can be assured that Hand Melon Farms will not trade, sell, or share their list, and they use leading email marketing firm Constant Contact for their secure list management. Additionally, anyone signing up for the newsletter can safely unsubscribe at any time.
About Hand Melon Farm
Started over 100 years ago, and run continuously by the Hand family, Hand Melon Farm is a proponent of the local-farm movement. Known for its signature crop, the famous Hand Melon has been prized by presidents, (Including Eisenhower, Nixon, and George H. W. Bush), actors, politicians, and in-the-know Saratoga summer visitors. At 425 acres, the farm produces over 140 varieties of fruits, vegetables, corn and ornamental fall gourds. They use Integrated Pest Management principles, which utilize minimal amounts of pesticides, and employ composting and recycling protocols wherever possible.
The popular farm stand (Hand’s Farm Market) is located on Route 29 and the junction of Wilbur Avenue, across from the Washington County Fairgrounds in Greenwich, N.Y. The actual farm and pick-your-own patches are located 3/4 mile down Wilbur Ave. You can contact the Farm at (518) 692-2376, Hand’s Farm Market at (518) 692-7502, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Hand Melon Farm is also on Twitter at @handmelonfarm, or “friend” them on Facebook.
Pick Your Own Produce at Local Farms
Ariel’s Farm
Strawberries, raspberries
194 Northern Pines Road, Gansevoort
(518) 584-2189 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Open: May 1 to October 31, Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Please call before you plan to visit, as hours change seasonally.
Beloved Farm
Blueberries
105 Mckie Hollow Road, Cambridge
(518) 677-8226 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Open this summer on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment beginning July 6.
Blueberry Hill Solar
Blueberries
2186 Alexander Road, Galway
(646) 574-3984
Charlton Fruit Farm
Strawberries
4074 Jockey Street, Charlton
Phone: (518) 399-6563 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Open June 8, call for availability.
Hand Melon Farm
Blueberries, peppers, raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes
533 Wilbur Avenue, Greenwich
(518) 692-2376. Alternate Phone: (518) 692-7502 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Open beginning in June Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Kelly’s Emerald Feeds
Strawberries, raspberries
672 County Line Road, Queensbury
Phone: (518) 793-5474 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Open Monday to Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Stanislowsky’s Eagle’s View Farm
Blueberries
2089 Route 29, Galway
(518) 882-9199 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Open July 5 to August 31, Monday, Wednesday, Saturday 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Stuberry Acres
Blueberries, raspberries
1483 County Route 49, Argyle
(518) 638-8926 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Open July to September, every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Winney’s Farm & Bacon Hill Blueberries
Offering pick-your-own blueberries or already picked at the farm stand. Local honey is available.
113 Winney Rd., Schuylerville
(518) 695-5547
Open early July to late August. Please call for hours.
Gardenworks Farm
1055 Route 30, Salem
(518) 854-3250 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.GardenworksFarm.com
Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Pick your own blueberries and raspberries, July and August.
