Grass Me Up

In this episode of Grass Me Up the host explains how extreme early heatwaves affect lawns, why plants use so much water (mainly for gas exchange), and which grass species are most vulnerable. He covers timelines for dormancy and death in different soils, common issues like fairy rings and fertiliser scorch, and why roots may keep growing even when the surface looks dead. Practical tips include avo...

Dr. Russell Sharp breaks down how extreme heat affects lawns, weeds and potted plants, covering drought survival, pests, and which grass types handle high temperatures best. He shares practical mitigation tips—mulching, pot-in-pot systems, potassium and silicon nutrition, seaweed for recovery—and warns against applying products during peak heat. Simple, actionable advice for keeping turf and garde...

Dr. Russell Sharp explains the history of slug control, why traditional metaldehyde was banned, and how Eutrema developed a chelated ferric phosphate gel called Slugger as a safer alternative. He reveals a new, simple use: painting a thin, long‑lasting barrier around pots and raised beds to deter slugs and snails. Slugger is pet‑friendly, provides iron nutrition, works well on terracotta, and can...

Dr. Russell Sharp of Eutrema walks through the top 10 reasons lawns and sports turf turn yellow (chlorosis), explaining the science behind the symptom and showing how common issues — drought, nutrient deficiency, compaction, scalping, blunt mower blades, fungal disease, pests, pH imbalance, pet urine, and competition from trees/weeds/moss — produce yellowing. The episode gives straightforward, pra...

Dr. Russell Sharp of Eutrema explains how their Organic Pond Flocculant rapidly binds blue‑green algae and blanket weed into removable clumps, clearing ponds safely and protecting fish without toxic heavy metals. He covers practical tips on dosing and removal, compares this method to copper and dye treatments, notes hot weather increases blooms, and invites listeners to contact Eutrema for technic...

In this episode of Grass Me Up Dr. Russell Sharp apologises for copycat suspension gypsum sold as ‘ liquid gypsum ’ and explains why Eutrema’s solution-based product is different and more effective. He then gives a clear, practical primer on soil structure — granular (crumb) vs massive, platy, blocky and prismatic forms — how gypsum helps flocculate clay, and why you shouldn’t work or treat wet so...

Dr. Russell Sharp of Eutrema explains why most gardens and sports pitches contain some clay, how the soil texture triangle works, and why liquid gypsum helps by flocculating clay to improve drainage. He gives simple DIY tests (jar sediment test and the ribbon/ball test), recommends using soil maps or neighbor knowledge, and advises working with your soil rather than trying to change its texture. h...

Dr. Russell Sharp of Eutrema Ltd introduces biostimulants = substances that improve plant growth, root development, stress resistance and photosynthesis without acting as fertilizers or pesticides. He explains how they give turf an extra performance edge when nutrition and growing media are already optimal. Common types include seaweed extracts, amino acids, beneficial microbes, humic/fulvic acids...

Dr. Russell Sharp from Eutrema explains how to treat and repair lawn damage caused by weedkillers (herbicides) like glyphosate. Learn immediate steps—applying calcium ( Liquid Gypsum ), avoiding phosphorus fertilizers, using activated carbon or biochar, stimulating microbial activity, removing dead turf, and reseeding—to restore your lawn safely and effectively.

Dr. Russell Sharp explains how common lawn and sports-turf weeds reveal soil conditions — from nutrient levels and pH to compaction, moisture and even metal traces. Using examples like bee orchids, fairy rings, red shank, pineapple weed, nettles and clover, he shows how to interpret these indicators and take practical steps. He also gives simple management advice: test your soil, avoid rapid chemi...

Dr. Russell Sharp describes moving from a backpack sprayer to a 100L tractor-mounted unit for his village sports field, sharing why he upgraded and what he hoped to achieve. He recounts a series of problems—dead batteries, snapped wiring, accidental fertilizer spills, a failed pump, and mismatched replacement parts—and how each issue caused delays and messes. Russell offers simple takeaways: test...

This episode explains what anaerobic digestate is, how it is made, and why it is increasingly used in fertilizers for lawns and sports turf. Dr. Russell Sharp discusses the benefits (fast-acting ammonium nitrogen, organic carbon, low cost) and the risks (strong odor, scorch, variable nutrient content, contamination, and poor performance on compacted soils), and gives practical recommendations on w...

Dr. Russell Sharp breaks down why moss thrives in lawns and sports turf, explains Eutrema’s updated Ultimate Iron fertiliser, and compares iron sulfate with premium chelated iron. He covers practical control methods, cultural fixes like scarification, better irrigation and aeration, and alternatives such as silica and wetting agents, plus why repeated iron sulphate use can harm soil biology. https...

Dr. Russell Sharp returns to the Grass Me Up podcast with updates from Eutrema’s new HQ, rapid business growth, and successful results using Liquid Gypsum on sports turf. He covers new product launches (a fungal amino acid and Phosphorus Liberator ), hands-on work at local pitches, and concerns about upcoming UK fertiliser registration rules that may impact small suppliers. Expect more science-led...

Dr. Russell Sharp explains what glyphosate (Roundup) is, how it works as a systemic non‑selective herbicide, and why it remains widely used in turf care and agriculture. The episode covers controversies and legal cases, the misuse of LD50 data, environmental persistence, effects on soil micronutrients and microbial communities, and emerging resistance in some weeds. Practical advice is given on sa...

Many pre-plant granular fertilisers share a 6-9-6 NPK because a few UK manufacturers produce bulk granules and white-label them for multiple brands, creating an illusion of choice. Granules are cheap to make, often contain chloride salts that can cause leaf scorch, and can stick to leaves if moisture is present. Liquid fertilisers, while requiring a sprayer, offer greater flexibility, plant-availa...

Dr. Russell Sharp examines fertiliser products that claim to contain dozens or even 90+ chemical elements, explaining why many of those claims are impossible, unsafe, or irrelevant. He walks through the periodic table, rules out noble gases, synthetic and highly radioactive elements, and highlights the nutrients plants actually need, urging listeners to ask suppliers for clear element lists. https...

Dr. Russell Sharp explores the emerging world of hydroponic sports turf and lawn care, discussing research trials, recirculatory systems, LED lighting, and practical applications from rapid sod production to full-scale stadium and golf green solutions. Learn about environmental benefits, water and nutrient recycling, commercial feasibility, and real-world examples — plus a preview of the new Grass...

Dr. Russell Sharp of Eutrema explains triacontanol — an increasingly popular, biostimulant extracted from natural waxes — and how it can improve lawn and sports turf growth and stress resilience. He covers what triacontanol is, why Eutrema’s high‑concentration, solvent‑free formulation is different, real‑world results, and how to try free samples with Eutrema orders. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/bio...

Dr. Russell Sharp explains what fairy rings are, why they become visible after droughts, and how their hydrophobic exudates and waxy residues can cause grass death and uneven growth on lawns and sports turf. He outlines practical management: maintain irrigation, reduce thatch, use wetting agents, consider spot applications of lime sulfur as an organic soil sterilant, and reseed damaged areas. Fung...

Dr. Russell Sharp takes a deep dive into flooding and waterlogging across gardens, farms and sports turf—explaining causes like clay pans and heavy rain, the physiological damage to roots and crops, common symptoms such as patchy chlorosis and shallow rooting, and secondary risks like nutrient loss and pathogen spread. The episode also covers practical treatments and prevention: why you shouldn’t...

Dr. Russell Sharp explains why pouring liquidised food waste or adding fresh, uncomposted plant material to soil or lawns can harm plant growth. Microbes breaking down this material consume available nitrogen, causing nitrogen deficiency and chlorosis in your plants, and fresh food waste can also attract pests like rodents and rabbits. The episode advises always composting organic matter or signif...

Dr Russell Sharp explains what thatch is, how it builds up, and why it harms turf. He covers causes like rapid growth, drought and the harmful effects of overusing iron and copper products. The episode reviews control methods — scarifying, raking, microbial and enzyme treatments — and the limitations of some commercial products. Russ outlines Eutrema’s Thatch Degrader, how it stimulates native mic...

Dr. Russell Sharp revisits previous claims about ICL (formerly Israel Chemicals Limited), clarifying that there is no evidence they manufacture white phosphorus but detailing findings that ICL supplies white phosphorus to the US Army and onward to Israel, who use White Phosphorus against civilian populations. The episode also examines ICL’s sponsorship ties to an IDF battalion that has been filmed...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Grass Me Up, a podcast dedicated to turf science and agronomy. Hosted by Dr. Russell Sharp, this series promises a deep dive into the world beneath our feet. Whether you're a professional groundskeeper, a lawn enthusiast, or simply fascinated by plant science, this podcast will enlighten you on everything from soil microbes to mower techniques. Discover how to h...