Shows / Hydroponics Daily
Hydroponics Daily
Daily clips of hydroponic science throughout the whole of 2025
Presented by Dr Russell Sharp
Brought to you by the team behind Gold Leaf - seed to harvest with just one bottle of feed.
For more information please visit our website - https://eutrema.co.uk
Episodes
Hydroponics DailyInsecticidal soaps explained: control pests without poisons
In this episode Dr. Russell Sharp explains insecticidal soaps—how they work by physically breaking down insect waxes and spiracles, acting as contact killers…
- Hydroponics Daily
The best new product, why it could be better, why it won't, and it looks like a toilet seat
Dr. Russell Sharp reviews the Maxi Bright Maxi LED Pro TS 40W horseshoe under-canopy light, calling it the best product he has seen this year and explaining…
Hydroponics DailyEutrema Ltd: Grower - First Innovation
Dr. Russell Sharp, founder of Eutrema Limited, explains the company's grower-first approach, serendipitous innovation, and the development of truly unique…
- Hydroponics Daily
Fertiliser Time Bomb: gas, geopolitics & carbon taxes threatening 2027 Prices
Dr. Russell Sharp ranks and explains the major threats to fertilizer and pesticide prices in the UK looking toward 2027, covering energy costs, geopolitical…
Hydroponics DailyThe Periodic Table of Plant Health — Decode Your Crop's Nutrient Needs
Dr. Russell Sharp walks through the "Periodic Table of Plant Health," explaining macronutrients, micronutrients, non-mineral and non-essential elements, and…
Hydroponics DailyInside Our New Patented Root Stimulant: A Phosphite Alternative
Dr. Russell Sharp discusses recent weather impacts on crops and lawns, a Black Friday humic acid offer (use code HUMIC15), and updates from Utrema on product…
- Hydroponics Daily
Are your microbes dead? Free new service from Eutrema
Dr. Russell Sharp explains why Eutrema no longer sells microbial products — from short shelf life and supply-chain dilution to competition with contaminated…
- Hydroponics Daily
Insider Advice for Hydroponic Product Startups
Dr. Russell Sharp of Eutrema shares practical advice for anyone launching a hydroponic product, covering market realities, product differentiation, and…
- Hydroponics Daily
UK Fertiliser Rules Could Wipe Out Small Hydro Brands — What You Need to Know
Hello and welcome back to Hydroponics Daily. Dr. Russell Sharp breaks down the new UK fertiliser and biostimulant consultation that could force costly…
- Hydroponics Daily
Taming Bitterness: How Hydroponics Could Create Milder Veggies
Dr. Russell Sharp explores how breeders, genetic tools (including CRISPR) and environmental controls in hydroponics can reduce strong or bitter flavours in…
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The Top 10 Most Poisonous Plants You Might Grow (but hey, "they're natural")
Dr. Russell Sharp closes out Hydroponics Daily’s 2025 run with a compact guide to the most toxic plants. He explains why “natural” or “plant‑derived” doesn’t…
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Biofortify Your Greens: Iodine, Selenium & Hydroponic Nutrition
Host Dr. Russell Sharp of Hydroponics Daily explains how hydroponic fertigation and his product Gold Leaf (Liquid Gold in the UK) can be used to biofortify…
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Don't Get Ripped Off: How to Choose Microbial Biostimulants
Dr. Russell Sharp explains how to choose and use microbial biostimulants for hydroponics, focusing on production/expiry dates, manufacturer credibility, and…
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Why Pumpkins Trap Forever Chemicals — and How Hydroponics Helps
Dr. Russell Sharp explores research showing that squashes, pumpkins and other cucurbits can absorb persistent hydrophobic pollutants (PCBs, dioxin-like…
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Hydroponics Wrapped 2025: Triumphs & Tough Lessons
Dr. Russell Sharp reviews Hydroponics Daily in 2025, highlighting the top podcast episodes, surprising listener interests (pH, nutrient lockup, microgreens)…
- Hydroponics Daily
Coffee, Caffeine & Your Plants: Friend or Foe?
Dr. Russell Sharp examines the effects of coffee and tea on plants, explaining how caffeine and other compounds (tannins, organic acids, sugars) can act as…
- Hydroponics Daily
Cotton Candy Grapes — Naturally Flavoured?
Dr. Russell Sharp explores the story behind cotton candy grapes, explaining how they were created through patient, traditional plant breeding rather than…
- Hydroponics Daily
Amazon’s Fake Plants: The Shocking Rise of AI-Generated Seed Scams
Dr. Russell Sharp exposes a growing problem of fake plant listings and AI-generated seed scams on Amazon and other marketplaces, showing how buyers are being…
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Plant Melatonin: Supercharge Roots and Stress Tolerance in Hydroponics
Dr. Russell Sharp explains how melatonin — a molecule known for human sleep and stress regulation — is produced by plants and acts as a powerful antioxidant…
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Are Soilless Crops Artificially Flavoured? Hydroponics Myth Busted
Host Dr. Russell Sharp tackles a Twitter claim that hydroponic crops lack micronutrients and are artificially flavoured, explaining why those assertions are…
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UK Energy Shock: 94% Rise in Standing Charges Threatens Vertical Farms
Dr. Russell Sharp examines a warning from the UK Urban AgriTech group that a planned 94% increase in electricity network standing charges from April 2026 could…
- Hydroponics Daily
Carnivorous Plants & Bonsai - a potential hack for using Coco Grow Media
In this episode we examine why carnivorous plants and bonsai often struggle in coco grow media — coco (coir) can contain high sodium and is frequently buffered…
- Hydroponics Daily
Alternatives to Dosatrons: Which Fertigation Tool Wins?
In this episode Dr. Russell Sharp explains how dosatrons work and compares practical alternatives for run‑to‑waste hydroponic systems, including Venturi…
- Hydroponics Daily
How to Save Virus-Infected Varieties; Thermotherapy for Crops
Hello there, and welcome back to Hydroponics Daily, your go-to podcast for everything soilless cultivation. I am your host, Dr. Russell Sharp, the founder of…
- Hydroponics Daily
Perennial Cereals: Are Kernza and Perennial Rice the Future of Food?
Dr. Russell Sharp explores the growing interest in perennial arable crops like Kernza, perennial rice and sorghum, explaining their environmental benefits…
- Hydroponics Daily
Dosatron Secrets
Dr. Russell Sharp explains how Dosatrons (water-powered dosing pumps) mix concentrated fertilizer like Gold Leaf/Liquid Gold into fertigation systems…
- Hydroponics Daily
Cut-and-Come-Again: Hydroponic Hype vs. Reality
Dr. Russell Sharp of Hydroponics Daily breaks down the truth behind "cut-and-come-again" vegetables and viral social media hacks, explaining which crops…
- Hydroponics Daily
Glycerin: Flower preservation suitable for hops and legal cannabis displays?
Dr. Russell Sharp explores advanced preservation methods for flower crops; from freeze-drying and glycerin sap replacement to citric acid treatments used for…
- Hydroponics Daily
Dates for your diary for 2026 in Hydroponics: Must-Attend Events
Dr. Russell Sharp outlines the key 2026 dates affecting hydroponic growers (equinoxes, longest day) and recommends major trade shows and conferences worldwide…
- Hydroponics Daily
The Hydrogen Peroxide Clash Rocking European Hydroponics
Dr. Russell Sharp discusses the struggle of the UK and European hydroponic sector, focusing on recent enforcement in the Netherlands over continuous in-line…
- Hydroponics Daily
E‑Commerce Strategies for Hydroponic Growers
Dr. Russell Sharp discusses e-commerce strategies for hydroponic businesses, advising against competing in commodity leafy greens and recommending niche…
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Bootstrap to Success: Ditch credit for your customers
Dr. Russell Sharp explains why bootstrapping is the best route for many hydroponic ventures, emphasizing unique products, testing market demand, and protecting…
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Solenoids & Drippers: Master Hydroponic Water Flow
Dr. Russell Sharp breaks down how water is controlled in hydroponic systems: pressure‑regulated drippers set the flow rate, spikes only deliver the water, and…
- Hydroponics Daily
Egypt’s Greenhouse Push: Army-Driven Hydroponics vs Morocco’s Desalination Boom
Dr. Russell Sharp explores Egypt’s push into large-scale greenhouse and hydroponic production, driven in part by the military, and compares it to Morocco’s…
- Hydroponics Daily
Don't Feed Dormant Plants: The Hidden Nitrite Danger
Dr. Russell Sharp explains why you should drastically reduce or stop fertilizing perennial crops during winter dormancy or cold storage. Plants take up little…
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Lease to Grow: The Rise of Rental Hydroponic Systems
In this episode Dr. Russell Sharp explores leasing and rental business models for hydroponic systems—ranging from small kitchen towers to commercial vertical…
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Rats in the NFT: Rodents, Risks and Hydroponic Safety
Dr. Russell Sharp of Utrema discusses a striking Facebook post—an AI image of rat droppings on an NFT lettuce system—and asks whether rodents are a real threat…
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Hidden Hydroponics: How Cosmetics Brands Quietly Grow Ingredients
Host Dr Russell-Sharp of Hydroponics Daily explores how hydroponics and vertical farming are widely used by non-food companies; especially cosmetics and…
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Growing the Impossible: Hydroponic Crops the UK Can't Grow Outdoors
Dr. Russell Sharp explores crops that struggle outdoors in the UK due to short, cool seasons and shows how hydroponics or protected cultivation can make them…
Hydroponics DailyHydroponics on Display: 8 Botanical Gardens to Visit
Dr. Russell Sharp tours botanical gardens around the world that feature hydroponic and aquaponic displays, from Pittsburgh and Dallas to Bethlehem, Malaysia…
Hydroponics DailyCardoon: The High‑Value Hydroponic Crop Michelin Chefs Crave
Dr Russell Sharp of Hydroponics Daily explores cardoon, a giant thistle related to globe artichoke, as a lucrative hydroponic crop ideal for small to medium…
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HACK! Grow Your Own Predatory Mites: Slash Your Pest Control Costs
Dr. Russell Sharp shares a practical hack to dramatically reduce pesticide and biocontrol costs by culturing predatory mites on bran or pollen. This method…
- Hydroponics Daily
The science behind pH perfect hydroponic solutions
Dr. Russell Sharp explains how to keep hydroponic solutions pH-stable, the role of balanced nitrates and ammonium, and how chemical buffers prevent pH swings…
- Hydroponics Daily
Light vs Heavy Hydroponics: Why System Weight Matters
Dr. Russell Sharp explores how the weight of hydroponic systems affects portability, stability, thermal buffering and practical uses—from classrooms and…
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How McDonald's and Fast Food Drive Hydroponics
Dr. Russell Sharp of Hydroponics Daily explores how fast food chains, from McDonald’s to Subway and Taco Bell, consume enormous volumes of fresh produce and…
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Bootstrapping Your Hydroponic Start Up: Keep Control, Innovation, Motivation and Fun
Dr. Russell Sharp makes the case for bootstrapping hydroponic businesses instead of taking big external investment, arguing that self-funding preserves…
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Does Big Money Matter? The New Economics of CEA Investing
Dr. Russell Sharp breaks down a candid interview with Equilibrium Capital's Dave Chen on the challenges of financing and scaling controlled environment…
Hydroponics DailyMore Grocery Store Hacks: Growing Exotic Rhizomes for Less
Dr. Russell Sharp explains how to use store-bought seeds, rhizomes and tubers—like spelt, mung beans, turmeric, ginger, galangal, sweet potatoes and more—as…
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Predicting Cannabis Potency with Your Smartphone: Hyperspectral Breakthrough
Dr. Russell Sharp explores recent research showing that hyperspectral leaf scans combined with machine learning can predict cannabinoid concentrations in legal…
- Hydroponics Daily
How Weight-Loss Drugs Could Reshape Global Crop Demand
Dr. Russell Sharp explores how widespread use of GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs (soon available orally) could reduce overall calorie intake and shift demand across…
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Spain's Radical Plan: 20–30 Day Crop Shutdown to Kill Thrips
Dr. Russell Sharp explores a controversial strategy where entire growing regions pause production for 20–30 days to break pest life cycles — using crop…
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Vanilla Cultivation - Hand-Pollinated Gold
Dr. Russell Sharp dives into the unique world of vanilla: an orchid vine that requires delicate, manual pollination outside its native range, long development…
Hydroponics DailyHydroponics on the Alkaline Edge: Crops That Cope with High pH
Dr. Russell Sharp explores plants and crops that tolerate very alkaline soils and how that knowledge applies to hydroponic systems. The episode covers common…
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Why Acid-Loving Crops Thrive at pH 5.5 in Hydroponics
In this short episode Dr. Russell Sharp explores which crops naturally prefer acidic conditions and explains why, when grown hydroponically, they are typically…
Hydroponics DailyRockwool vs Bare-Root NFT: When to Use Growing Media
Host Dr. Russell Sharp explores why some hydroponic systems use large grow media slabs (like rockwool) while others rely on bare-root NFT with small plugs…
Hydroponics DailyHydroponic Avocado Revolution: Mexico’s Soil-less Orchards
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…
Hydroponics DailyHydroponic Peanuts: Can We Grow Them Without Soil?
Dr. Russell Sharp explores experimental research on growing peanuts hydroponically, summarizing NASA studies and university trials using deep water culture…
Hydroponics DailyThe International Space Station has a big Hydroponic Headache!
Dr. Russell Sharp discusses recent research (published in npj Microgravity) showing that lettuce grown on the International Space Station contains…
Hydroponics DailyGrowing Edamame Indoors: Japan's Hydroponic Breakthrough
Dr. Russell Shaw explores recent Japanese research showing that edamame can be successfully grown hydroponically under LED lighting, yielding stable…
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Hydrofarm: A Reality Check for the Hydroponics Industry
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…