Hydroponics Daily

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 (e...

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...

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...

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/...

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 strong...

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 benefi...

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 a...

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 exampl...

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-c...

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 w...

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...

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://eut...

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 lice...

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...

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://eutre...

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, th...

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/...

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...

Dr. Russell Sharp explains hardwood cuttings for deciduous woody perennials, why they’re useful in autumn and winter, and how they’re easier and cheaper than softwood cuttings. He covers methods—using sand, perlite or a heated propagator, basal heat, rooting hormone, tips for hydroponic transfers, species that root well (willow, mulberry, hydrangea, dogwood), and how to avoid problems like pythium...

Dr. Russell Sharp reviews Lettuce Grow, a celebrity-backed company (founded in 2019) that sells stylish, kitchen-scale hydroponic stands and kits like the Farmstand. He covers design, multi-layer systems, recirculating pumps, and accessories aimed at home growers. The episode discusses seedlings, fertilizers (A/B and one-part options), expected yields, pricing and usability for beginners, and why...

Dr. Russell Sharp explains how EC meters work, what they’re useful for and their key limitations — including temperature sensitivity, inability to distinguish ion types, and poor detection of many organic inputs like Liquid Gold (Gold Leaf). Practical tips: always measure EC and pH in your actual water after adding the manufacturer’s recommended dose, flush runoff to prevent salt build‑up, and onl...

In this episode Dr. Russell Sharp discusses an Israeli study showing that diindolemethane (DIM), a compound formed when we digest cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage, can inhibit Streptococcus mutans growth and disrupt dental plaque. The episode covers how DIM could be used in future oral-care products or encouraged through diet, touches on brassica benefits for soil and hydroponics,...

Dr. Russell Sharp discusses manufacturing chitosan biofungicide and announces a lab breakthrough creating a biodegradable alternative to Osmocote, driven by concerns over microplastics and corporate practices. The episode covers trials showing hemp matting outperforms coco coir for microgreens, a failed cardboard grow‑media test, resilient ebb-and-flood clay bead trials, and planning consideration...

Dr. Russell Sharp examines Liebig’s Law of the Minimum and explains why the simple barrel analogy can mislead hydroponic growers. He highlights interacting nutrients, dynamic environmental changes, physiological adaptation, thresholds and non-linear responses. The episode explores alternative frameworks—Shelford’s tolerance, multiple limitation hypotheses, dynamic system models and ecological stoi...