We have been backyard sugaring for 3 seasons now and would like to know how to build a small sugarhouse so we can get out of the inclement weather when we're boiling down the sap.

-- Mark Jenkins (ejenkins@labs.net), March 20, 2001

Answers

if your already doing it,, just put a shed around it

-- Stan (sopal@net-port.com), March 20, 2001.

Look here:http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/abeng/plans/MISC.htm

-- nobrabbit (conlane@prodigy.net), March 20, 2001.

This has nothing to do with the question but we moved to Maine last year and I know they tapped the trees here many years ago. I just haven't been able to figure out which ones are the sugar maples. We have many varieties of maple and is there any way to distinguish between the varieties in the early spring. Also if it isn't too late when I figure out which tree is what does anyone have any maple syrup equipment for sale? I know that there were at least 10 trees tapped here in the front yard . Would that be enough to even try to get syrup for my family? Thanks in advance!! cara

-- cara lewis (cnllewis@email.com), March 20, 2001.

Hi Cara. The tree doesn't have to be a sugar maple, syrup can be made from any other maple (even boxelder) or even birch trees. The sugar is just more concentrated in sugar maples, so less boiling (evaporating) is required.

As to equipment: you probably have everything you need already. For spouts, use that piece of leftover copper water pipe from the last plumbing job. Clean it very well and cut it in ~5" pieces. I beveled the ends but that is probably not necessary. Catch the sap in clean gallon milk jugs either hung on a nail or wired to the tree. Boil it down on the stove in your biggest pot. Keep adding more sap as it evaporates. When the sap reaches a certain temperature, it is done. I think the temp is 268 degrees but not sure. Of course, you have to stir it frequently as it boils.

It takes a long time. Should be fun, though. Good luck. Sandy

-- Sandy in MN (jpevans_56353@yahoo.com), March 21, 2001.