Mount Vernon near Alexandria in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Seed Beds
"…it is miserable for a farmer to be obliged to buy his Seeds; to exchange Seeds may, in some cases be useful; but to buy them after the first year is disreputable."
George Washington to Farm Manager William Pierce
November 16, 1794
A frugal and highly organized manager, Washington insisted his crops produce not only a bountiful harvest, but also the seeds for the next year of planting. By setting aside space for seed beds, Washington ensured a dependable supply of vegetable seeds for his gardens, a well as grass and grain seeds for his fields.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 16, 1794.
Location. 38° 42.444′ N, 77° 5.313′ W. Marker is near Alexandria, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is in Mount Vernon. Marker can be reached from George Washington Memorial Parkway east of Mount Vernon Memorial Highway (Virginia Route
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Nursery Beds (a few steps from this marker); Fruit Garden and Nursery (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fruit Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Forest (within shouting distance of this marker); Fence and Ditch (within shouting distance of this marker); Slavery at Mount Vernon (within shouting distance of this marker); Ossabaw Island Hogs (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Red Devon Cattle (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 69 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 26, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
