The forecast for the next 10 days again seems to indicate that the weather will be right for sap to flow. We'll see. In my limited experience, every season is a bit different. Two years ago, the season was short. Last year was longer, lasting about 5 weeks.
Last year, Wendy and I inspired a few families to try their hands at back yard sugaring. When I posted the book give away last week, I was contacted by Joe from TapMyTrees.com. Joe has offered, in addition to answering any questions any of you may have about sugaring, to give away a starter kit. The only restriction is that is ships to a US address because of the cost of shipping. So, here is a chance for some of you to get started, or expand your operation. To enter, please leave a comment. Share this and get your friends to enter, too. This is a very generous offer from TapMyTrees.com. The winner will be selected on February 14th, generally accepted as a very sweet day, so that the winner can get started this season.
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| This is what the kit contains. |
This would be an awesome start to having my children, well really the whole family learning about utilizing the world we live in and starting in the backyard.
ReplyDeleteCrystal, you are in. It is a great way to get started using the gifts Nature has to offer.
ReplyDeleteMy mother used to tap our trees but I've never done it myself, hubby helped a buddy of his last year and we got some syrup as payment - there's nothing like the real thing!
ReplyDeleteJulie, that is true. Real maple syrup is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI would love to try this! I've only had real Maple Syrup a few times and it really is delicious.
ReplyDeleteStepanie, you are in the running. Think about that ... your own fresh maple syrup whenever you want!
ReplyDeleteWow! We would love to try this! My kids and I were just reading "Farmer Boy" by Laura Ingalls Wilder. She has a section of the book where they discuss tapping the Maple trees. What a fun learning experience it would be!
ReplyDeleteTina, you are now in the running for the drawing. It is a blast!
ReplyDeleteThis is nice of you. I have been hoping to tap the three large sugar maples in my back yard for the first time this spring, but tapping season is almost upon us.
ReplyDeleteHow generous! Yes, I'd really like to try this, too. We have a HUGE silver maple in the back that we'd like to tap this year.
ReplyDeleteThis would be a great way to get started.we decided to tap our maples this year too.a friend introduced us to maple syrup last year.i cant wait
ReplyDeleteThis would be wonderful! We just moved to a property with some beautiful mature maple trees! This would be the perfect way to jump into tapping our own trees!
ReplyDeleteWe just moved to Vermont so this would be an amazing gift to win!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the chance!
Tammy
I have been sugaring for a couple of years and started with 10 buckets. I now run over 75 buckets and enjoy making my on maple syrup. Through the wonderful people I have met on FB I have gotten a friend involved in sugaring. I am sure she would love to expand from her three buckets and this would be for my friend Terry C who has been strong and continues to be strong through what life has thrown at her.
ReplyDeleteI have a beautiful sugar maple waiting....
ReplyDeleteLeesy, you are in the drawing. It is really nice of Joe at TapMyTrees.com.
ReplyDeleteNorma Fishfin, be advised that it is an addictive past time. Yet, it is deliciously rewarding.
ReplyDeleteBigsis, you are in. Regardless of whether you win, get started this year. A couple of spiles (taps) and some old milk cartons will be good enough to start.
ReplyDeleteRachie, you are in the running. I hope you enjoy the maples at your new place.
ReplyDeleteTammy, you are welcome for the chance to win. Vermont is beautiful. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteRLL, I have entered your name on Terry C's behalf. 75 buckets ... I assume you have moved beyond the "pan over an open fire" stage to a hobby evaporator. I find myself moving in that direction little by little.
ReplyDeleteKristina, I hope your maple doesn't have to wait too long, drawing or not.
ReplyDeleteWe would love this! Last year was our first year and we loved it so much that we are expanding this year. Just got our first (used) evaporator and we are fixing up a "Sugar Shack." We are so excited for another year, and could use all the help we can get!:) Thanks for the chance, and Happy Sugaring!
ReplyDeleteSounds awesome! Can't wait for he sap to start flowing! Twogooddogs@roadrunner.com
ReplyDeleteI'd love a starter kit!!!! I've always wanted to try sugar mapeling!
ReplyDeleteVanessa, I am a bit jealous. I don't have, nor have the space, for an evaporator. I am using 2 large roasting pans over an open fire. You are welcome to the chance. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteTwoGoodDogs, it is flowing here, just slowly. I think this week will start a good run ... if the weather guys can be believed.
ReplyDeleteWitchyMom, you are in. It is such a great way to spend some time outside.
ReplyDeleteWe planted some sugar maples a few years back, planning to try tapping them for sap/syrup. The chance to win the supplies to get us started would be just great. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWe have some beautiful trees just waiting to be tapped....would love to win the starter set
ReplyDeleteDanielle, apparently, you've been planning and waiting for just this opportunity.
ReplyDeleteNancy, your name is in the hat.
ReplyDeleteOooh! Yes, please. I keep meaning to try tapping our maple tree, but each year it slides past us. Having the right tools might make all the difference. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteWow! What an awesome giveaway! I would love to try tapping some trees around here....ours are too small, but in a "common area" a few lots down, there are some larger trees......please add me to the hat!
ReplyDeleteYes Please. I used to sugar a few trees when I was young, and I'd love to get back into it.
ReplyDeleteVery nice giveaway from you and Joe. I have never done tapped a tree and would love to learn. All we eat (pour) is real maple syrup and it is sure expensive.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Kate, let's hope that you get tot tap this year, whether you win or not.
ReplyDeleteMarygee, it is an awesome giveaway. No one says you have to tap only your own trees. I am fortunate to have neighbors that let me tap theirs. It seems to expand evey year ... two more neighbors have offered.
ReplyDeleteNick, I think it would be fantastic for you to start sugaring again.
ReplyDeleteMaria, it is certainly much less expensive if you are willing to provide the muscle and the effort. We, too, eat only maple syrup ... all our own. I am glad that it is time to tap, we are down to our last quart from last year.
ReplyDeleteWe receently moved to our 10 acre homestead and would like to learn how to tap the maples and elders that we have. I'm so excited to learn this art.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a girl, my family made about 300 gallons of syrup annually, and I'd like to get started again on a backyard scale. Nothing beats real New England maple syrup!
ReplyDeletePainted Rock Farm, congratulations on your homestead. You are entered in the running.
ReplyDeleteMitty, wow ... 300 gallons. I do love backyard sugaring and real New England Maple Syrup.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in the drawing - this is definitely on my "bucket list". (Oh, that's just a bad one.... LOL) In seriousness we really do hope to have access to try sugaring on our own property in the fairly near future - and it would sure beat what it costs to stock up on organic maple syrup at the commissary. I love supporting that supplier but I'm betting it tastes sweeter when your own work creates the product. :)
ReplyDeleteMelonie, you are in to help support your "bucket list" (I love it). You will certainly have a greater appreciation for it. We are down to our last jar ... it is a good thing that I should be boiling soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to sneak my name into the hat, hopefully you haven't drawn yet. :-D
ReplyDeleteI have a giant Crimson Maple in my yard, and I'm curious what the sap would taste like.
Jennie, your name just squeaked in. I am cutting out names now.
ReplyDeleteThe drawing is now closed. The winner will be announced in a new post tonight.
ReplyDelete