Hydroponics Daily

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 through plant stomata and their pra...

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 the significance of monitoring your...

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 implementing recirculatory hydroponic syst...

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, or dealing with pH issues in hydro...

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 carnivorous plants hydroponically, offering...

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 seabird and bat guano, its nutrient p...

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 limitations of this simple, low-cost met...

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 beneficial microorganisms crucial for soil...

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 this biotrophic fungus, its condit...

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 farming.

Discover how saffron’s unique ...

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 and bamboos. Learn about the benefi...

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 that offer ease of management and ...

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 fertilizers and additives to enhan...

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 within organic farming regulations, p...

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/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-...

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 and cons of LED use, potential cost...

In this episode of Hydroponics Daily, we delve into the roles of sodium and metal halide lamps in hydroponic growing. Discover the differences between high-pressure and low-pressure sodium lamps, and why high-pressure versions were favored for plant growth despite their heat production. Learn about the advantages and limitations of metal halide lamps, including their popularity in America and their distinct white light.

We explore ...

Welcome to Hydroponics Daily! In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of lighting, a crucial element in hydroponics. We kickstart our series with a focus on incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs. Discover how these traditional lighting options, while often replaced in homes, still hold significant value in horticulture and nurseries for influencing photoperiods and supporting plant growth, particularly for photoperio...

In this episode of Hydroponics Daily, delve into the fascinating world of plant chemistry as we explore isoprenes, terpenes, and terpenoids. Discover the roles these hydrocarbon compounds play in giving plants their unique flavors, scents, and stress responses. Understanding this chemistry can unlock new potential in modifying plant flavors and aromas, and even aid in addressing climate change by reducing isoprene emissions. Join u...