George Washington wasn’t just founding a nation—he was revolutionizing its agriculture. At Mount Vernon, his five farms became a testing ground for innovative crop strategies that combined practicality with sustainability.
Among the 20 crops he grew were hardy staples, soil-enhancing legumes, and even cash crops like hemp and tobacco. Each tells a story of vision, ingenuity, and a commitment to reshaping American agriculture.
1. White Corn
White corn was a cornerstone of Mount Vernon’s agricultural operations, providing essential sustenance for the estate’s inhabitants and livestock. Washington cultivated multiple varieties of corn, including this hardy strain, which was well-adapted to Virginia’s climate.
The crop’s versatility made it particularly valuable. It could be ground into meal, used for animal feed, or preserved for winter storage.
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Washington’s systematic approach to corn cultivation included careful seed selection and crop rotation practices.
2. Mangel-Wurzel Beets
These large root vegetables were primarily grown as fodder for livestock at Mount Vernon. Their high yield and excellent storage capabilities made them an efficient choice for maintaining animal feed throughout the year.
Washington’s inclusion of mangel-wurzel beets, which were relatively new to American agriculture at the time, demonstrated his innovative approach to farm management.
Their deep roots helped improve soil structure while providing nutritious feed.
3. Jerusalem Artichokes
Native to North America, Jerusalem artichokes represented Washington’s interest in cultivating indigenous crops. These sunflower relatives produced edible tubers that could be harvested throughout winter.
The plants were particularly valuable because they grew well in poor soil conditions and required minimal maintenance.
Their perennial nature meant they could provide reliable yields year after year.
4. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes thrived in Mount Vernon’s warm climate and provided an important food source for the estate’s residents and livestock.
Washington recognized their value as a reliable crop that could be stored for extended periods.
These root vegetables played a crucial role in crop diversification strategies, helping to maintain soil health through rotation while providing nutritional benefits.
5. Lima Beans
Washington cultivated various legumes at Mount Vernon, including lime beans. These protein-rich plants served multiple purposes, from human consumption to soil improvement through nitrogen fixation.
Their inclusion in the crop rotation system demonstrated Washington’s understanding of sustainable agricultural practices, as legumes naturally enhanced soil fertility for subsequent crops.
6. Red Winter Wheat
Washington considered wheat his most important cash crop, with red winter wheat particularly successful at Mount Vernon. His meticulous records show extensive experimentation with planting times and soil preparation techniques.
This hardy variety could be planted in fall and harvested in early summer, making it ideal for the Virginia climate.
Washington’s innovative use of crop rotation helped combat soil depletion, which is common in wheat cultivation.
7. Indian Hemp
Cultivated specifically for its industrial applications, Indian hemp was grown at Mount Vernon for rope and fiber production. Washington showed particular interest in its potential as a commercial crop, recognizing its economic value.
The plant’s strong fibers made it essential for creating durable ropes and textiles.
Washington’s hemp cultivation demonstrated his understanding of the young nation’s agricultural and industrial needs.
8. Red Clover
Red clover was vital in Washington’s agricultural innovations as a cover crop and soil enhancer. He recognized its ability to restore nitrogen to depleted soils and prevent erosion.
The plant also served as excellent forage for livestock, making it a dual-purpose crop in Mount Vernon’s farming system.
Washington’s use of clover in crop rotation was revolutionary for his time.
9. Common Hops
Hops cultivation at Mount Vernon reflected Washington’s interest in brewing beer, a common practice in colonial America. The plants were grown near the mansion’s gardens, providing practical and ornamental value.
These climbing perennials required careful attention and proper trellising, demonstrating the sophistication of Washington’s horticultural practices.
10. Flax
Flax cultivation showcased Washington’s interest in textile production at Mount Vernon. The crop provided valuable fibers for linen production, an essential material in colonial times.
The processing of flax required significant labor and expertise, highlighting the complex agricultural operations at Mount Vernon.
11. Buckwheat
Buckwheat served multiple purposes in Washington’s agricultural system, functioning as a cover crop and grain producer. Its quick growth made it valuable for suppressing weeds and improving soil structure.
The crop’s flowers also supported beneficial insects and pollinators, showing Washington’s understanding of ecological relationships in farming.
12. White Cotton
Though not as extensively grown as other crops, cotton represented Washington’s willingness to experiment with different agricultural products. The fiber crop required careful timing and management in Virginia’s climate.
Washington’s cotton cultivation demonstrated his interest in diversifying Mount Vernon’s agricultural output beyond traditional colonial crops.
13. Watermelon
Watermelons added diversity to Mount Vernon’s summer produce and provided refreshment during hot Virginia summers. Washington maintained detailed records of their planting and harvesting.
These melons were often served at Mount Vernon’s dining table and represented the estate’s ability to grow practical and luxury crops.
14. Orange Carrots
Carrots served as both a food crop and animal fodder at Mount Vernon. Washington’s records show careful attention to soil preparation for root vegetables.
Carrots’ versatility made them particularly valuable, as they could be stored through winter months and used in multiple ways.
15. English Turnips
English turnips were a staple root crop at Mount Vernon. They were valued for their storage capability and multiple uses, providing food for humans and livestock throughout the year.
Washington’s cultivation of turnips reflected European agricultural influences on colonial farming practices.
16. Lucerne
Lucerne was prized for improving soil fertility and providing excellent livestock forage. Washington experimented extensively with this crop to determine optimal growing conditions.
The deep-rooted perennial nature of Lucerne made it particularly valuable for soil improvement and erosion control.
17. Cabbage
Cabbage was an important food crop at Mount Vernon, providing sustenance throughout the year. Washington grew several varieties and kept detailed records of their performance.
The crop’s storage capability made it particularly valuable for winter food supplies and was crucial to the estate’s self-sufficiency.
18. Timothy Grass
Timothy grass served as a primary forage crop for Mount Vernon’s livestock. Washington recognized its value for hay production and soil stabilization.
The grass’s hardy nature and high nutritional value made it an essential component of the estate’s agricultural system.
19. Rhubarb
Rhubarb added variety to Mount Vernon’s kitchen gardens, demonstrating Washington’s interest in perennial food crops. Its early spring emergence provided fresh produce when other crops were scarce.
The plant’s longevity and low maintenance requirements made it a practical choice for the estate’s diverse gardens.
20. Oronoco Tobacco
Though Washington eventually abandoned tobacco cultivation, Oronoco tobacco was initially an important cash crop at Mount Vernon. Its cultivation reflected the economic realities of colonial Virginia agriculture.
Washington’s transition from tobacco to other crops demonstrated his forward-thinking approach to sustainable agriculture and soil conservation.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.