What is the origin of 'a long row to hoe'?

Commonly misspelled for years, resulting in many people picturing an incorrect interpretation. It is actually the nautical phrase, "A long rode to ho".

A 'rode' is a length of chain and rope that is put out from a ship to it's anchor. A long rode is required when it is windy or stormy. 'To pull a rope (or line)' on a ship is 'to ho'. Hence the term "heave ho". The crew will advance on the rope on the command "Heave" and pull on the command "Ho". If it is stormy and/or windy, the long rode to ho is hard work and takes a long time to accomplish.

Just envision a sailor saying, "It's a long rode to ho."

Conversely, imagine a farmer standing in the field, getting ready to furrow the field with his trusty mule and plow. Looking across the field, he says aloud, "There's a long row to hoe."