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.
Episodes
This episode explores plasma-activated water (PAW): how ionized gas (like lightning) can be used to create reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that supply plant-available nitrogen and act as a natural sanitizer for hydroponic systems.
We cover potential benefits (reduced synthetic nitrogen use, biofilm and pythium suppression, no toxic residue), practical approaches, current research and real-world trials, plus limitations such as...
This episode explains why ladybirds (ladybugs) are often poor biological control agents in hydroponic systems: adults tend to fly away, larvae may not eat aphids effectively or can die, they can clog filters, and invasive or disease issues can arise.
Alternatives are discussed, including lacewings, predatory mites (which can be sustained with pollen), parasitoid wasps, entomopathogenic fungi, and other IPM strategies, plus consider...
Dr. Russell Sharp investigates whether mushrooms can be grown without soil—covering liquid mycelium cultures, industrial mycelium bioreactors, and the limits of inert hydroponic media like rockwool. He explains that mycelium can be expanded in nutrient broths, but most mushrooms still need a solid organic substrate (straw, sawdust, or coffee grounds) to form fruiting bodies.
The episode also discusses pests (fungus gnats), contamin...
Dr. Russell Sharp breaks down the three main types of surfactants (anionic, cationic, non‑ionic), how they’re used to re-wet hydrophobic grow media, and their roles as adjuvants and insecticidal soaps. He warns against sodium-based products like sodium lauryl sulfate and recommends sodium-free alternatives, highlighting Eutrema’s clay drainer, yucca extract, and non-sodium insecticidal soap.
Dr. Russell Sharp tours Growy’s Amsterdam vertical farm, exploring their unique fermented starch acetate growing media, automated gutter system with robots for seeding, irrigation and harvest, and energy‑efficient features like water‑cooled LEDs and heat recovery.
The episode covers production figures (60 kg/m²/yr lettuce, 40 herbs, 35 microgreens), long shelf life, supply‑chain integration, crop challenges (spinach and basil), glo...
Dr. Russell Sharp contrasts outdoor soil-grown vegetables with hydroponic indoor production, focusing on labour differences, pest pressures, and contamination risks.
He explains how the withdrawal of neonicotinoids and rising insect issues in Europe make hydroponics advantageous for pest control and cleaner produce, potentially influencing supermarket sourcing and consumer expectations.
Dr. Russell Sharp discusses the potential of ornamental hydroponics and spotlights Iris tectorum (the roof iris) as an ideal species for indoor soilless cultivation due to its tolerance of low nutrients, stress, and inert media.
The episode covers the plant’s historical roof cultivation in Asia and Europe, its bioactive compounds of pharmaceutical interest, and practical ideas like using reed thatch as a growing medium, urging grow...
Dr. Russell Sharp tests unconventional, nutrient-free grow media for microgreens—hemp and microgreens matting, cardboard and coarse sawdust—comparing results for chia and onion in a hydroponic setup.
The episode covers the trial design, potential issues (mould, decomposition, nutrient deficiencies, wood toxins) and invites listener feedback as the team observes outcomes.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-comp...
This episode reports Gavita’s management buyout following Miracle‑Gro/Hawthorne’s divestment of its hydroponics businesses and what that could mean for the industry.
Also included: a production update from Eutrema on a solvent‑free, highly concentrated 12.5% indole‑butyric acid auxin solution, chitosan biofungicide shipments, and planned jasmonic acid products, with trial samples available.
Dr. Russell Sharp records a short episode to ask listeners to take a quick Instagram poll about what they know regarding auxin sprays, gels, and solutions.
He teases upcoming episodes with deeper explanations of auxin uses and more insights from the congress, including a look at what a "gigafarm" is.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/Dr. Russell Sharp reports from the World Congress for Vertical Farming after visiting Growy. He focuses on labeling, packaging, shelf life, and why customers prioritize "pesticide-free" and "no need to wash" over the word "hydroponic."
The episode also explores supermarket placement, packaging visibility, and how distribution and branding often matter more...
Dr. Russell Sharp explains practical ways to inspect hydroponic plants up close, from inexpensive hand lenses and phone macro attachments to investing in a stereomicroscope. He contrasts stereomicroscopes with compound microscopes and shares buying tips like LED illumination, stable stands, and camera attachments.
The episode covers how to spot pests and disease early, examine trichomes and flowers, check beneficial nematodes under...
Dr. Russell Sharp recounts reintroducing extinct tomato varieties like the Blaby Special and Manx Marvel, then examines the relative value of preserving heritage cultivars versus conserving whole wild species and their genetic diversity.
He argues that wild species and ancestral strains often hold more crucial genetic value for future breeding and that species-level conservation should be prioritised, while inviting listener feedba...
Dr. Russell Sharp experiments with growing carnivorous plants hydroponically—Venus flytraps, sundews, and pitcher plants. He discusses challenges like their need for nutrient-poor acidic conditions, winter dormancy, pests, and the plan to use RO water, very low nutrient solutions, peat-free media, and NFT/DWC systems, promising updates as he learns.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/
Dr. Russell Sharp reports from Fruit Attraction in Madrid, sharing key hydroponics and fresh-produce industry discoveries from the trade show.
Main takeaways: large distributors dominated the show with impressive stands, biostimulant firms remain small, and a noticeable presence of vegan and microbial fertiliser companies. Hydroponic systems and lighting were scarce compared to field-grown fruit technology.
Other notes include conc...
Dr. Russell Sharp investigates why West Virginia seems to have low interest in hydroponics, examining factors like GDP, geography, cannabis laws, and local market access.
The episode highlights existing efforts — NASA-funded programs at West Virginia University, community college courses, Mocks Farm, and Blue Acre Aquaponics — and discusses grants, production methods, and opportunities for local growth.
Dr. Russell Sharp explores trehalose‑6‑phosphate (T6P) as an emerging biostimulant, its role in controlling sucrose signals, and the promising academic data—especially in wheat—showing yield and stress‑tolerance benefits.
The episode compares two commercial players (SugarRox and Unium), discusses intellectual property and market positioning, and considers the challenges of turning trial results into farmer adoption and profitable b...
Dr. Russell Sharp explores a curious 1991 patent by Gunther Mayer that claims mistletoe can be propagated in hydroponic baths using sap from host plants, noting the scant details (sap extraction, preservation, and CO2 use) and that the patent was later withdrawn.
The episode also touches on commercial parasitic crops like sandalwood, the challenges and potential of soilless cultivation, and invites listeners to share any experience...
In this episode of Hydroponics Daily, we discuss two notable agtech developments relevant to growers: InnerPlant's CropVoice—genetically engineered soybeans that light up when infected to provide early disease alerts—and GreenLight Bioscience's RNA-based treatment Noarroa, which targets varroa mites in honeybee colonies and offers extended protection. We explore implications for hydroponic and pollinated crops and point listeners t...
Dr. Russell Sharp explores endophytes—beneficial microbes that live inside plant tissues—explaining how they can boost stress tolerance, aid nutrient uptake, and protect against pests. He discusses notable companies, commercial challenges, safety concerns, and why endophyte products have seen mixed success in agriculture.
Listeners will learn about practical limitations for adoption, differences from other microbial products, and t...
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