Foothills of the Berkshires, thinking about tapping
I'm not tapping yet, but the forecast is making me itchy. Next week looks like it should have good flows most of the week. I think if I were on vacuum and tubing, I'd consider tapping over the weekend. But I'm on buckets, so it still seems way too early.
That being said, considering how warm it has been, and the long-term forecast showing likely above average temps for Feb/Mar, I'm seriously considering tapping the first warm spell in late January or early February, as opposed to waiting it out until late Feb or early March. I'd hate to have my buckets drying up for a big run in late March/early April, but if early Feb is going to be big, maybe better not to wait.
Last year I was still building my arch in early March. So even though I had a pretty full season of sugaring last year, this is my first season of having to decide how early to hang the buckets.
I know it's still early to be deciding, but I have family that wants to plan travel stuff, and I'm wondering if planning anything for early Feb will be a big problem.
Anyone else on buckets in western MA - what kind of timing are you thinking about?
2016: Homemade arch from old wood stove; 2 steam tray pans; 6 taps; 1.1 gal
2017: Same setup. 15 taps; 4.5 gal
2018: Same setup. Limited time. 12 taps and short season; 2.2 gal
2019: Very limited time. 7 taps and a short season; 1.8 gals
2020: New Mason 2x3 XL halfway through season; 9 taps 2 gals
2021: Same 2x3, 18 taps, 4.5 gals
2022: 23 taps, 5.9 gals
2023: 23 taps. Added AUF, 13.2 gals
2024: 17 taps, 5.3 gals
All on buckets