Agronomist helps gardeners see weeds through farmers’ eyes
A Suffolk agronomist is using social media to help gardeners identify weeds before they become a problem, showcasing the expertise behind modern crop production.
Agricultural consultant and independent agronomist Lizzie Ecclestone has attracted thousands of Instagram followers by sharing videos explaining how to identify common weeds at the seedling stage – knowledge arable farmers use every day, but is largely unfamiliar outside agriculture.
She launched the Instagram account during maternity leave after realising many gardeners struggled to tell emerging weeds from desirable plants, helping to bridge the gap between farming and the public.
See also: Tips on weed control in farmyards and near arable buildings
Agricultural consultant and independent agronomist Lizzie Ecclestone
“I noticed online that no one was really talking about how to identify it, but everyone was talking about the fact they don’t know what stuff is in the ground,” she says.
“It nestles quite nicely in that middle ground between agriculture and your home garden.”
One video explaining how to identify young weeds gained about 13,000 followers in just seven days.
Sharing agricultural knowledge
“I’ve always thought being able to recognise small weeds was just normal,” says Ms Ecclestone.
“Some of the stuff we do in agronomy is so everyday that it’s just normal.”
She believes the response shows the value of sharing agricultural knowledge beyond the farmgate.
“I think we underestimate what we’re good at in agriculture. We think, ‘Who wants to look at weeds?’ But people do.”
Her videos also explain why farmers identify weeds at the cotyledon or two-leaf stage rather than waiting until they become established.
“In agriculture we’re trying to deal with them before they become a problem. We’re really preventing an issue.”
Similar problems
The same preventative approach can help gardeners reduce competition for light, moisture and nutrients, resulting in healthier vegetables and flowers while avoiding the hard work of removing mature weeds.
Alongside her “Weed of the Week” series, featuring species such as cleavers and cranesbill, Ms Ecclestone has also launched “Walk With Me”.
This takes followers through neighbouring arable fields to explain seasonal weeds and demonstrate how the same species affect both crops and gardens.
By translating everyday agronomy into practical gardening advice, she is helping more people understand the knowledge and skills that underpin successful farming.
