Dr. Russell Sharp examines a UNDP-led hydroponics project in the Aral Sea region that grows fast, soilless wheat and alfalfa fodder to address polluted, infertile land and livestock feed shortages. The episode covers the simple LED-and-tray systems, rapid harvest cycles, nutritional gains for animals, women-led household adoption, Japanese funding, and the project’s social and environmental benefits. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Dr. Russell Sharp explains the whitefly life cycle, why they hide under leaves and how to control them in hydroponic systems. He also shares microgreen hydroponic tips and the importance of removing plant material to break pest life cycles. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/pesticides-organic/eutrema-insecticidal-soap-sodium-free/

Dr Russell Sharp explains what whitefly are, why they threaten greenhouse and outdoor hydroponic crops, and how to detect them early. The episode covers monitoring methods, prevention (filters, airflow, sanitation), biological controls like Encarsia formosa, and selective chemical options including insecticidal soaps and rotation strategies. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/pesticides-organic/eutrema-insecticidal-soap-sodium-free/

Dr. Russell Sharp explains why sodium is highly toxic to plants, how it damages cellular functions, causes nutrient imbalances and reduces yield, and why osmotic stress is not the only issue. He outlines common hidden sources of sodium in hydroponics — low-grade fertilizers, micronutrient chelates, grow media, water sources, insecticidal soaps and recycled inputs — and gives practical advice to avoid sodium contamination (use high-purity ingredients, potassium bicarbonate, and proper media buffering and water treatment). https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/pesticides-organic/eutrema-insecticidal-soap-sodium-free/

Dr. Russell Sharp shares a Liverpool tour and a farmer's rhubarb story that highlights how fragile indoor-grown plants can be when transplanted outdoors. The episode outlines why hardening off and weaning are critical for plants moving from hydroponic or vertical systems to field cultivation, and offers practical takeaways to avoid transplant shock. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Dr. Russell Sharp explains why deliberately growing microgreens in darkness produces taller, sweeter, and easier-to-harvest seedlings. He shares observations from trials with basil, mustard, pea shoots, spring onions and more, and explains how etiolated growth converts seed starches into sugars for better flavour. The episode also covers practical tips and trade-offs for small-scale production. https://eutrema.co.uk/  

Dr. Russell Sharp invites listeners to Hydroponics Daily to get a free sample in exchange for an Apple Podcasts review — just screenshot your review and email it to him to claim a product. Available samples include humic acid concentrate, dechlorinator, Sticky Fingers cleaner and Clear Mist humidifier treatment; international listeners can still participate with shipping arranged when the host visits their country. Short-term offer; terms may apply. https://eutrema.co.uk/

In this episode Dr. Russell Sharp explores the practical science of growing crops on Mars — water sources and site choices, lighting and power options, and why indoor, LED‑lit hydroponics (NFT, aeroponics) is most likely. He examines Martian regolith as a potential grow medium (nutrient content, perchlorates and removal methods), atmospheric challenges, closed‑loop recycling, automation and 3D‑printed systems. The episode closes with priority crop choices (potatoes, leafy greens, microgreens, herbs), psychological needs for colonists, and the importance of robust, fail‑safe farm design for long‑term habitation. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Dr. Russell Sharp of Eutrema Limited breaks down why algae is a problem in hydroponic and greenhouse reservoirs—how it competes for nutrients and oxygen, clogs lines, and risks crop and food-safety issues. He compares small-scale cleaning methods with the challenges of large-volume systems. The episode outlines chemical sterilisation options (hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, chlorine dioxide), what to avoid (copper, bleach, quats), and non-chemical solutions like ultrasound, UV/ozone and Eutrema’s chitosan flocculant for removing algal biomass.  https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/pesticides-organic/chitosan-biofungicide/

This episode of Hydroponics Daily unpacks the rise of Hawthorne Horticulture, a Scotts Miracle-Gro subsidiary (Hagedorn family) that bought major hydroponic brands like Gavita, General Hydroponics and Botanicare, and the controversies that followed. We explore post-lockdown decline, Scotts’ strategy to move Hawthorne off its balance sheet into an opaque independent partner (now Hawthorne Collective), questions about who now runs it, legal disputes around lighting, environmental concerns, and what this means for the hydroponics industry. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/organic-fertilisers/seaweed-extract-cold-processed/

Dr. Russell Sharp explores a new 3,000 m² commercial hydroponic leek facility in Ypres, Belgium, developed by Agro Reo, Hydromasters and Endura with VLEA and EU support. The outdoor deep-water system promises faster cycles, reduced soil-borne disease, closed-loop water and automated harvesting, enabling soil-free exports and competition with traditional field-grown leeks. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/biostimulants/sea-silica-silicon-fertiliser/

Dr. Russell Sharp reviews Nordetect’s upcoming handheld tester that measures nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur in fertigation streams using a patented agrochip plus spectrophotometry, delivering lab-level results in about three minutes instead of days. https://www.nordetect.com/ The episode explains how the device could enable real-time nutrient monitoring, integrate with specialist software, help growers verify fertilizer claims, and potentially expose diluted or mislabelled products; it is not yet on sale but personalised demos are available. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/organic-fertilisers/seaweed-extract-cold-processed/

Dr. Russell Sharp discusses how environmental automation can help grow rooms and greenhouses — and what happens when it breaks. He recounts a Dutch grape nursery where vent failures during a heatwave pushed temperatures over 50°C (122°F), ruining about 95% of the harvest, and an orchid grower who lost roughly 75% of his crop after a power outage disabled vents and shade systems. The episode underlines the need for fail-safes, backup power, and contingency planning for automated systems, and notes the human and financial toll on growers, as well as potential mitigation steps like alternative revenue streams and resilient infrastructure. ----more----https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/organic-fertilisers/seaweed-extract-cold-processed/ ----more----

Dr. Russell Sharp explores the surprising world of bee-unfriendly plants — species whose nectar or flower structure can harm bees or taint honey. Examples discussed include rhododendron and Kalmier (gravinotoxin), the strawberry tree (arbutin), tulips and lime (toxic sugars), nicotine-laced tobacco, and double/ornamental flowers that block pollinators. The episode also considers theories for why plants produce toxic nectar (defense, limiting nectar intake, or intoxicating pollinators) and highlights wind-pollinated and ancient beetle-pollinated plants that offer little to bees. Takeaway: if you want to protect pollinators or honey quality, be mindful of what you plant and prioritize diverse, bee-friendly species — and remember native wild bees matter too. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/organic-fertilisers/seaweed-extract-cold-processed/

Dr. Russell Sharp explains vivipary, a rare form of plant propagation where seeds germinate while still attached to the parent plant, producing plantlets that drop off ready to grow. The episode covers causes (low ABA/high moisture), examples (mangroves, Kalanchoe, alliums, carnivorous plants, tomatoes, cannabis), differences from false vivipary, and practical implications for hydroponic growers.   https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/organic-fertilisers/seaweed-extract-cold-processed/

Dr. Russell Sharp explores recent research into biostimulants made from sea urchins—created to reduce urchin overpopulation in kelp forests and potentially used in hydroponics. The episode compares sea urchin products to traditional seaweed extracts, discusses variable growth results (lettuce trials), sustainability and regulatory concerns, and concludes seaweed extracts currently outperform sea urchin biostimulants for plant growth. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/organic-fertilisers/seaweed-extract-cold-processed/

Explore the innovative world of soilless cultivation in this exciting episode of Hydroponics Daily. Dr. Russell Sharp delves into the state-of-the-art SAIA agro-robotics greenhouse located in the Dutch countryside, showcasing its cutting-edge aeroponic system designed for growing tomatoes without traditional media. Witness the fascinating process where tomato plants, supported by twine and moved via conveyor belts, are harvested by AI-controlled robotic pickers. This breakthrough approach significantly reduces labor costs, providing a glimpse into future agricultural technologies. Join Dr. Sharp as he uncovers the technological marvels behind this impressive facility and imagine the possibilities for commercial production worldwide. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/organic-fertilisers/seaweed-extract-cold-processed/

Welcome to this episode of Hydroponics Daily, where Dr. Russell Sharp highlights the transformative world of hydroponics in North Dakota. This state, known for its harsh winters and reliance on imported produce, is seeing a resurgence in local, sustainable farming practices. Meet Larry Schumacher, a dedicated hydroponic pioneer in Bismarck, whose farm grows a variety of greens including lettuce, pak choy, and Russian kale. With the help of grants and innovative solutions like LED lights, Larry's initiative is contributing to affordable fresh produce for North Dakotans and beyond. Discover the efforts of North Dakota State University graduates launching Great Plains Greens in Fargo. This venture is focused on producing lettuce and herbs, selling locally and through e-commerce platforms. Together, these innovators are reshaping the state's agricultural landscape, emphasizing sustainability and community resilience. https://eutrema.co.uk/

Join us in this episode of Hydroponics Daily as we delve into the exciting world of tunnel hydroponics. Discover how countries like Spain, Italy, and Finland are transforming abandoned underground spaces into thriving agricultural hubs. From aromatic herbs to leafy greens, explore the diverse array of crops being cultivated in these unique environments. Learn about the advantages of stable temperatures and pest-free growing conditions, and examine the challenges faced by tunnel farmers in competing with traditional field-scale growers. This episode sheds light on the innovative projects aligned with the EU's Farm to Fork strategy and the sustainable future of soilless cultivation. https://eutrema.co.uk/

In this episode of Hydroponics Daily, hosted by Dr. Russell Sharp, explore the fascinating world of wheatgrass, a versatile crop that thrives without soil, fertilizers, or nutrients. Discover the step-by-step process to grow wheatgrass indoors, and learn how to harvest it at the perfect stage for juicing. Dr. Sharp shares invaluable tips on cost-saving practices, including a clever way to source affordable wheatgrass seeds from local farmers. Whether you're looking to create a profitable business or simply want to enjoy a healthy, home-grown juice, this episode provides all the insights needed to succeed in wheatgrass cultivation. Tune in for innovative approaches to cultivation and a special experiment proposal blending wheatgrass with coffee, potentially setting a new trend. Don't miss out on this informative and engaging discussion about the easiest type of hydroponics you can try at home. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/organic-fertilisers/seaweed-extract-cold-processed/