I think the sugars are budding due to the fact that they get almost full sun on the field edge, the others in the shade and in the woods are still closed. I just was not getting much flow to keep going. Historically these trees are terrific and crank out the sap but as we all know the weather has not been on our side. The last boil went fine however my hydrometer broke which I took as another sign to call it a season.
Bummer. There's a farm supply store out in Belchertown that has all things maple, darn if I can remember the name.Originally Posted by btflaw
Rochdale, Central Mass.
Zero taps for 2016.
Still have plenty of syrup from last year.
6.72 kW solar array, and on our second Nissan Leaf all electric car.
Picked up 5 gal, so half of yesterday. Everything still looking good. Snow under the tarp in shade working really good, like a big outdoor cooler. Next year, I'll make a bigger pile in the shade with the snowblower, and cover it early to ensure a supply of snow for storage.
Went to pull some mulch off the garlic, which was keeping it too cold, and noticed my last row of parsnips was starting to sprout, so had to dig them up, pretty tasty when they overwinter. Nice to be outside in the warmth.
Rochdale, Central Mass.
Zero taps for 2016.
Still have plenty of syrup from last year.
6.72 kW solar array, and on our second Nissan Leaf all electric car.
Devon Lane Farm Supply and TSC had maple equipment earlier in the season. Give them a shout.
Yes, that's it, thanks. It's a couple miles north of Rt 9, on Rt 202. Do they put stuff on sale when the seasons over?
Rochdale, Central Mass.
Zero taps for 2016.
Still have plenty of syrup from last year.
6.72 kW solar array, and on our second Nissan Leaf all electric car.
I do not know. I have never been there for maple supplies. I was told that the maple syrup supplies are at their second store not too far away. Call before you go.
The other store is a little bit east on Rt 9, it's got power equipment, lawn mowers, and such. The farm store on 202 has everything you need for syruping. I go there for filters mostly. Nice sugarhouse aross the road.
Only got about 2 gals today, seems I'm getting to my drip's end. Might only make a 1/2 gal syrp come Sunday, but I'll be happy for that this year. If anyone's wondering, the program to wipe out the Aisian Longhorn Beetles is working so far. I'm right next to Worcester, and no sign of them here yet.
Rochdale, Central Mass.
Zero taps for 2016.
Still have plenty of syrup from last year.
6.72 kW solar array, and on our second Nissan Leaf all electric car.
And . . . Done! Always mixed emotions when it's time to pull the taps, but it's time. Got another 5 gals sap over 2 days, and finished my last boil, which will end up at about half a gal syrup, almost 3 gals made for the year, and that'll do us fine or breakfasts and salmon and whatnot. Kids already on me to make maple cream candy, so will have less than 2 gallons soon, but it's tradition, and tasty too. Love seeing rows of syrup jars and bottles on the shelf.
So, tapped a month ago, took two weeks to have enough for first boil, third week was best, last week slow. Holes still dripping, but low and slow, and too warm now. Hope all of you north and west have better runs. Until 2015 . . .
Rochdale, Central Mass.
Zero taps for 2016.
Still have plenty of syrup from last year.
6.72 kW solar array, and on our second Nissan Leaf all electric car.
Sitting here boiling a batch of maple cream candy. While waiting for it to get to soft ball stage, looked through my records, and latest I ever pulled my taps was April 21, in 2007. Must have been a cold winter.
Rochdale, Central Mass.
Zero taps for 2016.
Still have plenty of syrup from last year.
6.72 kW solar array, and on our second Nissan Leaf all electric car.
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