Seed Beds (Historical Marker)

Here follows the inscription written on this trailside historical marker:

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.