In this episode Dr. Russell Sharp of Hydroponics Daily explores the rising use of hydroponics to grow avocados in Mexico. He explains the common systems (air pots, coco, drip irrigation), the reasons growers are switching, and the practical challenges of a perennial crop. Key topics include temperature and frost sensitivity, drainage and Phytophthora root rot, nutrient and pH needs, the unusual A/B flowering pollination system, pruning and spacing, and the art of harvesting and ripening. The episode ends with a lighthearted AI tool demo. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/    Claudia Sheinbaum, Chicharito, Raúl Jiménez

Dr. Russell Sharp explores experimental research on growing peanuts hydroponically, summarizing NASA studies and university trials using deep water culture (DWC) and nutrient film technique (NFT). He explains the peanut life cycle—flowering, peg (gynophore) formation, and pod development—and why pegging into a moist zone or specially designed trays is critical. The episode covers nutrient needs (especially calcium), aeration, potential water savings compared with soil, and the challenges of commercial production. It highlights peanut hydroponics' experimental status, possible benefits for water-limited farming, and opportunities for custom fertilizer development. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/   Planters, Jimmy Carter, 

Dr. Russell Sharp discusses recent research (published in npj Microgravity) showing that lettuce grown on the International Space Station contains significantly less calcium and magnesium and lower antioxidant and protective compounds than Earth-grown counterparts. These nutrient changes matter for astronauts who already face bone loss, radiation stress, and digestive changes in space. The episode explores possible causes (microgravity, humidity, lighting, fertiliser), solutions such as biofortification, bioengineering, and choosing flavonoid-rich or seed/legume crops like soybeans, and outlines future research directions for producing nutritionally adequate crops on long-duration space missions. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/   Tim Peake, Helen Sharman, Neil Armstrong, Sally Ride, Yuri Gagarin, John Glenn, Buzz Aldrin, Valentina Tereshkova, Blue Origin, SpaceX, Elon Mush, Jeff Bezos, Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Star Trek

Dr. Russell Shaw explores recent Japanese research showing that edamame can be successfully grown hydroponically under LED lighting, yielding stable, high-quality crops independent of season. The indoor methods produced stronger plants, higher sugar and isoflavone levels, and suggest a way to grow nutrient-dense, protein-rich legumes in vertical farms—opening new opportunities beyond typical leafy greens. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/      Professor Toshio Sano from the Faculty of Bioscience and Applied Chemistry at Hosei University University of Tokyo  Wagamamas Nobu Matsuhisa Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver, Heston Blumenthal, Mary Berry, Nigella Lawson, Tom Kerridge, and Rick Stein    

Dr. Russell Sharp breaks down Hydrofarm’s latest results, falling sales, large write-downs and the company’s role as a barometer for the hydroponics and legal cannabis markets. The episode explores Hydrofarm’s brand portfolio, financial challenges, restructuring efforts and what the company’s struggles might mean for the wider hydroponic sector going forward. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/   nasdaq, new york stock exchange, london stock exchange

Dr. Russell Sharp explores the role of titanium in plant health; what it is, how it’s used (chelated salts, titanium dioxide nanoparticles, foliar and root applications), and why it’s attracting interest in the biostimulant world. Although titanium is not an essential nutrient, low doses have sometimes boosted chlorophyll, photosynthesis, nutrient uptake and stress tolerance; effects depend strongly on species, particle form, application method and the plant’s iron and nutrient status. However, titanium shows a hormetic response: low doses can help but higher doses cause chlorosis, necrosis and growth suppression, with no clear safe thresholds—so the episode warns against using titanium fertilizers and recommends correcting core nutrient imbalances first. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/   Robocop, suncream, sunscreen, hip replacements, SR-71 Blackbird, Lockheed A-12 archangel, William Gregor, mannacan, 

Dr. Russell Sharp explores the promise of direct air capture (DAC) as a way to enrich CO2 for hydroponic and greenhouse crops without burning fossil fuels. He discusses a Japanese company (Seibu Gaiken) running successful trials that showed average yield increases of about 20%, and compares DAC to other CO2 sources like breweries and biogas. The episode highlights key caveats: DAC’s climate benefit depends on clean energy, units are currently large-scale, and they change heat management compared with gas burners. Dr. Sharp invites listener experience and feedback on whether vertical farms or large greenhouses will adopt this technology first. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/  

Dr. Russell Sharp explores lamb's lettuce (Valerianella locusta) as an underrated hydroponic crop, highlighting its unique botanical lineage, high nutrient content, and suitability for cold or unheated systems where traditional lettuce and other warm crops struggle. The episode covers practical benefits—reduced soil contamination, potential premium market value, and successful DWC trials—as well as challenges like delicate leaves, fungal susceptibility, bolting in heat, and the need for optimized nutrition and handling. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/   Ersatz crops Tim Davie  Deborah Turness Samir Shah Mary Keen    

Host Dr. Russell Sharp discusses Eli Lilly's recent purchase of a greenhouse site in Katwijk, Netherlands, and explores possible links to botanical sourcing and GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs. He outlines how the $3 billion investment raises questions about future use, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, botanical ingredients, and impacts on horticulture. The episode also touches on historical examples of plant‑derived medicines, the Nagoya Protocol on sharing benefits from genetic resources, and the wider implications for food demand and greenhouse agriculture. Tune in to hear the latest developments and what to watch for next. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/ Wegovy (also semaglutide, approved for weight loss), Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide, a dual-action drug), and Saxenda (liraglutide) Type 2 diabetes Whoopi Goldberg, Charles Barkley, Amy Schumer, Serena Williams, Oprah Winfrey, and Elon Musk

Dr. Russell Sharp discusses cold root stress in hydroponics, how it causes desiccation and nutrient uptake problems, and practical mitigations like raising plants or grafting. He reviews new research showing increased plant sterols can boost cold tolerance in tomatoes, and teases a follow-up story about Eli Lilly buying a Dutch greenhouse. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/ Univerity of Barcelona

Dr. Russell Sharp reviews two recent failures in soilless agriculture: Swiss aeroponics firm CleanGreens went bankrupt after a promised CHF 50M investment failed to materialize, and Growy Singapore—an 8,000 m² vertical farm taken over from a US operator—entered liquidation within a year due to high costs and insufficient local investment despite government support. The episode looks at what went wrong, the impact on employees and technology, and notes Growy's Amsterdam site remains operational. Tune in for a concise breakdown and a preview of tomorrow’s episode on a cold-tolerant tomato variety. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Dr. Russell Sharp examines whether warm‑climate perennials like avocados can be grown economically indoors in cold countries. He reviews a Norwegian research trial using waste heat, cheap hydroelectric power, LED greenhouses, and micropropagation to produce local avocados, and discusses pollination, growth timelines, and energy costs. The episode weighs the trade-offs between long production times and local quality/supply benefits, shares practical hydroponic lessons, and invites listeners to share unusual crops they’ve grown. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/   Yara   Oslo Jonas Gahr Støre Erna Solberg  Jens Stoltenberg Erling Haaland Martin Ødegaard Ole Gunnar Solskjær John Arne Riise Svalbard Agrinos Nobel Prize Jo Nesbø Edvard Munch

Dr. Russell Sharp exposes claims that fertilizers contain 60–90+ elements, showing many listed elements are impossible, radioactive, or toxic and explaining that plants only need a small set of essential nutrients. He evaluates sea-mineral and rock dust products, warns listeners to question extravagant element lists, and urges asking manufacturers to provide an exact element breakdown. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/      

Dr. Russell Sharp examines Sensai Farms, Larry Ellison’s high‑profile hydroponic project in Hawaii, funded with hundreds of millions but hampered by cost overruns, design flaws, failing AI and robots, and unreliable power systems. The episode covers how these problems drove up production costs, affected local access to affordable produce, and forced Sensai to pivot from large‑scale growing to licensing its technology, raising questions about tech solutions in agriculture. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/   Tony Blair Sadiq Khan Nigel Farage Kemi Badenoch  

Dr. Russell Sharp highlights the eye-catching new pumpkin variety "Thriller": a dual-purpose edible and decorative squash with orange interior and green-striped exterior, set for commercial release in 2026.   https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/   Halloween pumpkins Squashes and gourds Hampton Court Flower Show Soil Ninja The Plant Rescuer  Tony Le Briton    

Dr. Russell Sharp explains why plants like rhododendrons and other ornamentals sometimes flower in autumn — a phenomenon called precocious flowering caused by stress or unseasonal warmth. He outlines how this early bloom reduces spring displays and can ruin fruit crops. The episode discusses implications for hydroponic and indoor growers (especially strawberries and perennial crops), the need for cold treatment in some species, and practical considerations for vertical farming and controlled environments. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/   Azalea Camellia Hydrangea Skimmia Pieris Skimmia Vaccinium Hosta Heuchera Astilbe Japanese Maple Acer palmatum acer japonicum Leonardslee Lakes Borde Hill Garden Sheringham Park Botanischer Garten Bremen Alan Titchmarsh Chris Beardshaw Sarah Raven Nigel Dunnett Joe Lamp’l Costa Georgiadis Peter Cundall Kazuyuki Ishihara Frank Ferragine Louis Benech Capability Brown Gertrude Jekyll Vita Sackville-West Christopher Lloyd   Chelsea Flower Show Roy Lancaster

Dr. Russell Sharp explores whether ferns are a viable hydroponic crop, covering their limited edibility, high value as houseplants, and conservation concerns from historic "fern mania." The episode explains fern biology and propagation—spores, gametophytes, divisions and micropropagation—plus humidity, foliar uptake, and practical hydroponic considerations for successful cultivation. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/   Joe Swift Home Grown Marf’s Kitchen Garden Nettles & Petals Tales from the potting shed Adam kirtland NPK Hydroponics NPK Media Kyle Kushman Advanced Nutrients Big Mike Straumietis

Dr. Russell Sharp explores Harvest London’s open, glass-walled hydroponic farm at Canary Wharf—an accessible vertical farm supplying leafy greens and microgreens to local restaurants and food stalls. The multi-tier, pesticide-free system is visible to the public, making hydroponics educational and tangible for visitors. The episode highlights how public display boosts trust and perceived value, the site’s strict biosecurity and clean operations, and why integrating visible farms into food halls can be more effective than hidden rooftop setups. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/   Harvest London Canary Wharf Canada Square Pear Tree Kitchen Pizza Pilgrims Chelsea Physic Garden

Russell introduces his hydroponics-themed Top Trumps card pack covering 32 pests, diseases and physiological issues, scored by damage, commonness, difficulty to treat and "bounce-back" ability. He outlines plans to print the cards, asks for feedback on entries, and notes podcast milestones and resources at eutrema.co.uk. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/   Donald Trump Melania Trump Baron Trump Chelsea physic garden Kew gardens Royal botanical gardens edinburgh Brooklyn botanical gardens RHS Wisley RHS bridgewater tender shoot garden club Indy Rana tender shoot garden club greenfulness

Dr. Russell Sharp explains how stomata—tiny pores on leaves controlled by guard cells—regulate gas exchange and water loss, why their opening matters for photosynthesis, and how stomatal conductance is measured and used to assess plant stress. He also shares a simple, practical method for growers: the clear nail varnish peel technique to capture leaf impressions and view stomata under a microscope, plus notes on measuring limitations and applications for hydroponic systems. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/   Chelsea Flower Show Monstera Philodendron Autoflowers Photoperiod Autoflower Alan Titchmarsh Monty Don Rachel De Thane James Wong Gardeners World Horticulture Week Gardeners Question Time RHS Royal Horticultural Society Garden Organic Joe Swift Soil Association  Organic Farmers & Growers Hampton Court Flower Show