Hydroponics Daily

Why Garden Centre Fertilizers Suck: The Truth Behind the Label

In this episode of Hydroponics Daily, Dr. Russell Sharp, the creator of renowned fertilizers "Gold Leaf" and "Liquid Gold," addresses a common inquiry about why these products aren't available in garden centers. Dr. Sharp delves into the underlying reasons, including the focus on cheap, substandard ingredients commonly found in garden center fertilizers and the lack of essential nutrients like calcium and sulfur. He highlights the misconceptions surrounding seaweed extracts and the illusion of targeted fertilizers, such as those for tomatoes and orchids, often being merely diluted versions of a base product.
Dr. Sharp also emphasizes the drawbacks of buying from garden centers, like poor after-sales support and products being stored in non-optimal conditions, leading to reduced potency. He argues for the value of purchasing from specialist hydroponic stores, where quality and tailored advice are prioritized. Listeners are encouraged to seek out fertilizers with transparent ingredient lists and avoid the trap of ready-to-use, diluted products marketed for their convenience but at a cost to effectiveness.
 
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

MASSIVE Greenhouse Collapses & GIVEAWAY

Welcome to another episode of Hydroponics Daily! Today, we delve into three intriguing stories from the world of horticulture. First, we explore a mysterious incident in the Netherlands, where a nine-hectare modern greenhouse completely collapsed, yet miraculously, there were no injuries. What could have caused such a bizarre occurrence?
https://nos.nl/video/2572821-9-hectare-aan-kassen-ingestort-in-middenmeer
Next, we discuss the latest innovation from Cree LED—the X Lamp XPL Photo Red S Line, a product claiming to offer growers freedom from intellectual property disputes. This development points to a growing trend in the agricultural technology sector, responding to previous legal battles over lighting equipment.
Finally, we analyze Russia's decision to close its routes for importing Dutch propagation material, citing quarantine issues. This move raises questions about the real motives and impacts on the horticulture industry, especially considering existing sanctions on Russian imports.
And don't miss our exciting giveaway—grab a chance to own a periodic table of plant health poster, filled with essential knowledge to make you a master in plant care!
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Extra Floral Nectaries - have you ever seen them?

Welcome to Hydroponics Daily, where Dr. Russell Sharp delves into the fascinating world of extra floral nectaries. Discover the botanical wonders of these small but mighty glands that secrete sugar-rich nectar and play a crucial role in plant defense and pest management. Learn how these glands, found on over 4,000 plant species including okra, sunflowers, and beans, attract beneficial insects like ants, ladybirds, and parasitic wasps. Explore the potential for hydroponic growers to reduce pesticide reliance by leveraging extra floral nectaries as natural pest control agents. This episode offers insights into the dual role of these nectaries in indicating plant stress and bolstering integrated pest management strategies. Tune in to uncover how these powerful, yet underutilized, plant allies can enhance soilless cultivation.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

The role of Gibberellins in Hydroponics

Welcome to Hydroponics Daily, your ultimate guide to soilless cultivation, hosted by Dr. Russell Sharp. This episode dives into the fascinating world of gibberellins—plant hormones that play crucial roles in seed germination, stem elongation, flowering, and fruit development. Discover the history of gibberellins, from their early 20th-century discovery in Japan to their current applications in controlled environment agriculture. Learn about the various types of gibberellins, such as GA3, known as gibberellic acid, and how they influence different plant species depending on environmental conditions.
Dr. Sharp discusses both the beneficial applications of gibberellins—such as increasing grape size and germination in barley—and the potential downsides of excessive use. Explore how growth regulators can inhibit gibberellins and their significance in ornamentals and compact crops. The podcast also sheds light on alternative methods, including CRISPR technology and using potassium silicate to strengthen plant stems while avoiding harmful synthetic growth regulators.
Join us as we delve into the vast potential of gibberellin research and the innovative techniques shaping the future of hydroponics, with an emphasis on sustainability and health. Tune in for an in-depth exploration of how understanding and manipulating gibberellins can revolutionize plant growth and crop management in hydroponic systems.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Dyson's New Ferris Wheel Hydroponic system

In this episode of Hydroponics Daily, Dr. Russell Sharp explores the fascinating world of Ferris wheel hydroponic systems, an innovation spearheaded by Dyson Farming in the UK. Known for their cutting-edge technology in household appliances, Dyson is now making waves in agriculture by integrating their engineering expertise into vertical farming. Discover how their Ferris wheel system is redefining strawberry cultivation, promising an impressive 250% yield increase through a combination of advanced lighting and nutrient technologies. Join us as we delve into the potential of this pioneering approach to sustainable agriculture.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Chelation

Welcome to an exciting joint podcast episode, hosted by Dr. Russell Sharp, featured on both Hydroponics Daily and Cereal Killers. This episode delves into the fascinating world of chelation, a crucial process for maintaining nutrient availability in plant cultivation, both in soilless and traditional farming.
Discover the intricacies of chelating micronutrients like iron, manganese, zinc, and copper, and the importance of choosing the right chelates to prevent nutrient deficiencies and enhance solubility in various pH environments. Learn about the common chelates like EDTA and their suitability across different systems and plants.
In an exciting revelation from Utreema Labs, explore their innovative approach to boron chelation using natural sources, which promises enhanced solubility and safer environmental impact. This breakthrough holds potential for significant advancements in crop nutrition, specifically tailored for plants like brassicas.
Whether you're a hydroponics enthusiast or an arable crop grower, this episode offers valuable insights into advanced nutrient management, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient farming practices. Tune in to learn more about these groundbreaking developments and how they might transform your farming methods.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Nanofertilizers in Hydroponics - what are their potential?

Welcome to Hydroponics Daily, where we dive deep into the world of nanofertilizers in hydroponics. Join Dr. Russell Sharp as we explore the fascinating realm of particles sized from 1 to 100 nanometers and their potential to transform soilless cultivation.
This episode investigates how nanofertilizers enhance nutrient uptake efficiency, offering controlled release and greater root absorption. Discover the promising compounds like nano-silicon and boron, which strengthen plant cells and photosynthesis without pH issues or synthetic solvents. While their commercialization faces hurdles like particle aggregation and regulatory scrutiny, the potential advantages are immense.
Join the conversation on the cutting-edge journey of integrating nanotechnology with plant nutrition, as we navigate its challenges and exciting possibilities.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Hydroponic Moss Cultivation

In this episode of Hydroponics Daily, Dr. Russell Sharp delves into the innovative world of growing moss hydroponically, a fascinating crossover between plant biology and modern indoor farming techniques. Learn about the "Moss in Prisons" project, a unique initiative aimed at engaging prisoners in sustainable moss cultivation, offering insights into the slow growth of moss and its environmental significance.
Discover how moss, often used in aquascaping, terrariums, biophilic designs, and eco-friendly applications, is a cornerstone in creating sustainable solutions and reducing wild moss harvesting. With moss thriving in moisture-retentive systems and requiring precise environmental control, this episode uncovers the untapped business potential of commercial hydroponic moss farming.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Hydroponics for growing weed (actual weeds!)

In this episode Dr. Sharp explores the unusual topic of growing weeds — specifically black grass — using hydroponics.
Key Points:
Why Grow Black Grass?
Black grass is the #1 arable weed in the UK, especially harmful to cereal crops like wheat and barley.
It’s resistant to herbicides and there are no GM crops in the UK to help control it.
Public is unaware of its impact because it doesn't affect home gardens — unlike more well-known weeds like Japanese knotweed.
Eutrema’s Approach:
Dr. Sharp’s company, Eutrema, is developing biological control methods using naturally occurring mildew and rust pathogens.
These fungi stunt black grass growth (rather than kill it), allowing cereal crops to outcompete it.
Their pathogens are highly specific (forma specialis) and pose no risk to other crops.
Why Hydroponics?
Black grass is difficult to grow in greenhouses and standard compost due to pests and diseases like “take-all.”
Hydroponics allows for clean, controlled growth, eliminating many variables.
They use NFT systems (nutrient film technique) for better consistency and plant health.
Challenges in Growing Black Grass:
It’s tough to germinate and cultivate due to its seed structure and sensitivity.
Silicon is crucial in their nutrient mix because grasses like black grass accumulate high levels of silicon.
Interesting Experiments:
Testing how UV light affects spore viability.
Developing plant-friendly “sunscreen” formulations to protect beneficial fungi from UV damage.
Beyond Black Grass – Other Weeds for Hydroponics:
Dr. Sharp muses on potential uses for other “weeds”:
Fat hen (once a Roman crop), dandelions (used for medicine and drink), shepherd’s purse (edible in Asia).
Mentions nettles (textile potential), Japanese knotweed (biostimulant uses), and even moss (teased for the next episode).
🔬 Takeaway:
This episode flips the script — instead of eradicating weeds, it explores cultivating them as part of solving major agricultural problems. It’s a smart fusion of hydroponics, pathology, and sustainable innovation, with potential to scale.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Hydroponic Legumes?

Welcome to another exciting episode of Hydroponics Daily with your host, Dr. Russell Sharp. Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of legumes and their potential in hydroponic systems. In this episode, we explore the complexities and benefits of growing peas, beans, and other legumes without soil. Discover how these crops are not only a source of plant-based protein but also a solution for sustainable agriculture and food security.
We also discuss the unique challenges of hydroponic legume cultivation, such as nutrient management and the role of beneficial microbes in nitrogen fixation. Learn about innovative approaches from around the world, including insights from commercial growers and groundbreaking research in Palestine.
Whether you are an experienced hydroponic grower or new to soilless cultivation, this episode offers valuable insights into the potential of legumes in future food systems. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on how legumes could revolutionize agriculture and contribute to a more sustainable planet.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/