Hydroponics Daily

In this episode of Hydroponics Daily, Dr. Russell Sharp delves into the challenges posed by downy mildew, a common but often misunderstood threat to hydroponic growers. Downy mildew can devastate crops like lettuce, spinach, and legal cannabis, thriving in cool, humid conditions. Dr. Sharp explains how to identify this water mold, which presents as yellow spots on leaves, and provides practical ad...

Welcome to an intriguing episode of Hydroponics Daily, where we delve into the captivating world of plant chimeras. Inspired by Greek mythology, these unique plants combine genetic materials, like the head of a lion, body of a goat, and tail of a dragon, resulting in bizarre and picturesque botanical wonders. Learn about the history, formation, and propagation of chimeras, including famous example...

Welcome back to Hydroponics Daily! In this episode, we delve into the vital topic of pH in hydroponics, a subject surprisingly yet to be covered extensively in over 150 episodes. We explore the basics of pH, from the chemistry behind it to its pivotal role in nutrient availability for plants. Discover the optimal pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 in hydroponics, where nutrients are most soluble, ensuring the...

Welcome to another episode of Hydroponics Daily, where Dr. Russell Sharp delves into the fascinating topic of plant variegation. Known for its unique and collectible appearance, variegation is a phenomenon cherished by houseplant enthusiasts but often shunned in outdoor gardening. In this episode, Dr. Sharp discusses the science behind variegation, including its genetic, viral, and environmental c...

In this episode of Hydroponics Daily, Dr. Russell Sharp delves deep into the world of root aphids, an often overlooked yet significant concern for hydroponic growers. Despite being poorly studied due to their subterranean nature, root aphids pose a unique challenge, particularly for legal cannabis cultivators in regions like Spain. Dr. Sharp explores their life cycle, why they are so difficult to...

Welcome back to Hydroponics Daily! In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of drones in hydroponics and horticulture, as showcased at Greentech Amsterdam. Discover how Corvus Drones and other innovators are redefining plant care with aerial technology, from monitoring germination rates to assessing environmental stress. Uncover the unexpected applications of drones, from security and g...

Welcome to Hydroponics Daily, where we explore the latest advancements in soilless cultivation. In this episode, take a journey with us to Amsterdam's GreenTech, a prominent trade show for greenhouses and hydroponics enthusiasts. Discover the shift in industry trends, from the decline of traditional fertilizer exhibitors to the rise of LED lighting manufacturers. Uncover the quirky and novel techn...

In this episode of Hydroponics Daily, hosted by Dr. Russell Sharp, we delve into the world of 'Lego' hydroponic products, revealing why these seemingly innovative solutions are often less beneficial than they appear. Dr. Sharp cautions against the allure of multi-component products that promise extraordinary results but often just combine basic elements without truly adding value to your hydroponi...

Welcome to Hydroponics Daily with Dr. Russell Sharp, where precision farming meets natural science. In this episode, we explore the intriguing influence of the Fibonacci sequence, a mathematical concept dating back to the 13th century, on modern hydroponic systems. Learn how Fibonacci's pattern, which appears throughout nature, can enhance plant growth, light capture, and spacing in your hydroponi...

Welcome to another episode of Hydroponics Daily, where Dr. Russell Sharp delves into the seldom-addressed topic of antitranspirants in hydroponics. Although primarily used in general horticulture, these products offer strategic advantages in hydroponic settings, particularly for transplant success and disease prevention. Explore the intricacies of how antitranspirants operate to reduce water loss...

Join Dr. Russell Sharp in this exciting episode of Hydroponics Daily as he delves into the essentials of hydroponic tomato growing. Discover the importance of choosing the right tomato variety for your system, be it NFT or DWC, and learn top tips on pinching out, defoliating, and pollinating your plants for maximum yield. Understand how consistent watering is key to preventing blossom end rot and...

Join Dr. Russell Sharp, the inventor of liquid gold, as he delves into the fascinating world of growing lawn grass and sports turf hydroponically. In this episode of Hydroponics Daily, discover how traditional sports pitches, typically layered with soil, can now be cultivated without it. A potential game-changer for water conservation and nutrient efficiency, dive into the possibilities of impleme...

In this insightful episode of Hydroponics Daily, we delve into the world of silicon fertilizers, analyzing what's really inside them and their actual silicon contents. We investigated three popular products on the market—Eutrema's Sea-Silica, Shogun, and GrowGenius—to uncover the truth behind their labels. Discover when to use each product effectively, whether you're a beginner, an organic grower,...

Welcome to Hydroponics Daily with Dr. Russell Sharp. In today's episode, we delve into the intriguing world of carnivorous plants, exploring their unique adaptations and evolutionary marvels. Learn about famous species like the Venus flytrap and pitcher plants, and discover how these plants derive nutrients from trapping insects. Dr. Sharp discusses the potential and challenges of growing carnivor...

In this enlightening episode of Hydroponics Daily, Dr. Russell Sharp delves into the fascinating world of one of the oldest and most nutrient-rich natural fertilizers - guano. Discover its historical significance, from the Incas to its impact on American imperialism, and learn why it remains a potent choice in modern hydroponics, despite the rise of synthetic fertilizers. Explore the nuances of se...

Welcome to Hydroponics Daily with Dr. Russell Sharp! In today's episode, we dive deep into the Kratky method of hydroponics, a unique system that requires no pumps or electricity. This passive, non-circulatory technique, developed by Dr. Bernard Kratky at the University of Hawaii, provides a minimal intervention approach to soilless cultivation. Listen as Dr. Sharp discusses the benefits and limit...

In this episode of Hydroponics Daily, Dr. Russell Sharp explores the often-overlooked topic of dechlorinating tap water for hydroponic farming. Discover why chlorine, while beneficial for drinking water safety, poses significant risks to your plants and hydroponic systems. Learn the science behind the negative impact of chlorine and chloramines on plant health, including the suppression of benefic...

Welcome back to Hydroponics Daily! In today's episode, we delve into the pervasive issue of powdery mildew that plagues both grow room and greenhouse hydroponics. As the most common fungal disease in soilless cultivation, powdery mildew presents unique challenges, appearing as a white growth on leaves and exacerbated by high humidity and crowded environments. Listen in as we explore the biology of...

Welcome back to Hydroponics Daily! In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of saffron cultivation through hydroponics. Saffron, a highly valued spice, is grown from the stigmas and styles of the crocus flower. Our host delves into the science and process of growing saffron hydroponically, highlighting its potential for high value returns due to the efficient use of space in vertical farm...

In this episode of Hydroponics Daily, host Dr. Russell Sharp explores the vital yet often overlooked element of silicon in hydroponics. Discover how silicon strengthens cell walls, enhances plant stress resistance, and acts as a natural deterrent to pests. While not considered an essential nutrient, silicon proves to be a game changer in hydroponic systems, particularly for plants such as grasses...

Welcome to Hydroponics Daily, your ultimate source for soilless and sustainable gardening insights. In this episode, Dr. Russell Sharp, the inventor of Gold Leaf Fertiliser, dives into the debate between recirculatory and run-to-waste hydroponic systems. Discover the ins and outs of closed-loop systems, known for water efficiency and nutrient reuse, and compare them to simpler run-to-waste systems...

Join Dr. Russell Sharp in this episode of Hydroponics Daily as he discusses the surprising results of a recent trial comparing different growing media for spring onions. Despite initial setbacks with coco as a substrate, it emerged as the top performer in germination tests. Dr. Sharp explores the role of water holding capacity in the success of hydroponic systems and delves into future trials with...

In this episode of Hydroponics Daily, Dr. Russell Sharp explores the intricate world of organic fertilizers and their place in hydroponic systems. As the inventor of Gold Leaf Fertilizer—also known as Liquid Gold in the UK—Dr. Sharp delves into why hydroponics is conventionally not considered organic, due to its soilless cultivation method. The discussion covers the controversies and allowances wi...

Welcome to Hydroponics Daily with Dr. Russell Sharp. In today's episode, we explore the benefits of using sunlight as the original grow light for your hydroponic setups, whether in greenhouses or polytunnels. Discover how to optimize sun exposure, considering factors like geography, shading, and photoperiodicity, to enhance photosynthesis and plant growth naturally. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fert...

Welcome to another episode of Hydroponics Daily! Join Dr. Russell Sharp as he delves into the world of LED lighting, a pivotal element in modern hydroponic setups. Discover why most growers are transitioning from traditional lighting methods to energy-efficient LEDs, which promise lower power consumption, extended lifespan, and targeted light spectra to optimize plant growth. Learn about the pros...