Hydroponics Daily

Banana Trunks to Grow Bags: The Future of Sustainable Hydroponic Media

Dr. Russell Sharp explores a new grow media made from banana plant trunks developed by Banana Bloom/Southeastern Fiber. The episode covers the material's hydrophilic re-wetting ability, durability, water-holding capacity, and potential as a mix with other media. Benefits include using an agricultural waste product, lower carbon footprint compared with cocoa, and reduced need for chemical processing. Dr. Sharp also clarifies this product is a growing media—not a fertilizer—and discusses practical uses and limitations for hydroponic systems.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Arsenic on the Menu: Is Your Rice Making You Sick?

Dr. Russell Sharp explores how arsenic gets into rice and some seaweeds, the health risks including cancer and developmental effects, and why levels vary by grain type and growing region.
He offers practical steps to reduce exposure—rinse and cook rice in excess water (about 6:1), prefer basmati/jasmine or alternative grains like quinoa and millet, and for hydroponic growers ensure good root aeration to limit heavy-metal uptake.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/
 

Enzymes on Plants. What the heck?

Dr. Russell Sharp investigates enzyme-based hydroponic products like Plagron's Green Sensation, questioning ingredient lists and the claim that sprayed enzymes break down plant cell walls.
He explains where enzymes are actually useful (breaking down dead roots and improving media nutrient availability), outlines stability limits (UV and temperature), suggests microbes or composting as better alternatives, and teases tomorrow's episode on arsenic in rice.
https://eutrema.co.uk/plant-health-periodic-table-poster/

Tylenol (Paracetamol) causes what in plants?!?!?!?

Dr. Russell Sharp reviews research on paracetamol (acetaminophen/Tylenol) and its effects on plants in hydroponics and horticulture. He explains how the drug is taken up by roots and leaves, how plants detoxify it, and how even small amounts can trigger oxidative stress, impair photosynthesis and inhibit growth in species like lettuce and maize.
The episode covers evidence of DNA methylation changes in maize, that silicon fertiliser can mitigate damage, and that paracetamol is generally detrimental rather than beneficial to plants. Practical takeaways: avoid applying paracetamol to crops, use proper water filtration, and rely on ozone/UV or RO for removing contaminants.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Rafflesia: The World's Hardest Plant to Grow

Dr. Russell Sharp explores why Rafflesia arnoldii — the so-called corpse flower with the world\'s largest single bloom — is likely the most difficult plant to cultivate. He explains its parasitic lifestyle, dependence on a specific Tetrastigma vine host, short flowering window, dioecious reproduction, and rarity in the wild.
The episode contrasts Rafflesia with the more commonly cultivated titan arum, discusses thermogenesis and pollination strategy, and highlights why conserving native rainforests is essential for this species.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Are you growing a C4 crop? Maize, millet, Sorghum, Bermuda Grass etc

This episode explains C4 photosynthesis (the Hatch–Slack pathway), how it concentrates CO2 around rubisco to reduce photorespiration, and why C4 plants perform exceptionally well in hot, dry, high‑CO2 conditions.
It covers common C4 crops (maize, sugarcane, sorghum, millets, tropical grasses) and practical hydroponic tips: increase light intensity, temperature, CO2 levels, and support with extra nitrogen and magnesium to maximize growth.
The episode also highlights a 2024 study showing humic acids can strongly boost photosynthesis in C4 plants and encourages growers to investigate biostimulants before applying them.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Cyanide: The Hidden Poison in Almonds, Apples and Bamboo

This episode explores natural sources of cyanide in common plants — how cyanogenic glycosides hide cyanide in seeds and tissues, how breaking cells releases toxic hydrogen cyanide, and why the smell of almonds can be a warning sign.
Examples include bitter almonds, apple and stone fruit seeds, cassava, lima beans, sorghum and bamboo shoots. The episode covers safety measures (cooking, leaching, drying, fermentation such as gari) and specific hydroponics cautions like pruning cherry laurel and growing cassava.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/pesticides-organic/lime-sulphur/
 

Micro-plastics in Fertilisers! The Truth About Controlled-Release Fertilisers

In this episode we expose the environmental and health risks of granular controlled‑release fertilisers: non‑biodegradable resin granules often contain micro- and nanoplastics that persist in soils and can be taken up by plants. Recent research shows nanoplastics can accumulate in edible parts of crops, raising concerns for food safety.
The host explains why many retail granules (e.g., Miracle‑Gro, Osmocote) aren’t truly biodegradable, discusses alternatives like plastic‑free liquid fertilisers and small, frequent feeding, and shares industry insights and Eutrema’s approach to safer options.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Glee Find - A Novel Propagation Tray idea - 'Bustaseed'

Dr. Russell Sharp reports from the Glee trade show, sharing highlights like a Latvian Bloom Cabin greenhouse and a standout product from Buster Seed: durable, pull-apart propagation trays designed for gentle transplanting.
The episode explains how these reusable trays reduce transplant shock, let growers monitor root development, and are particularly useful for mycorrhiza-dependent plants, making them a practical choice for home gardeners and hydroponic growers alike.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/pesticides-organic/lime-sulphur/

What to look for on the hydro shop shelf & surprising microgreens findings

Dr. Russell Sharp revisits fertilizer and biostimulant preservation—what shrinking, bloating, and floaty bits in bottles actually mean—and shares practical signs to watch for.
He then summarizes microgreen experiments: pea shoots performed well without fertiliser or growing media, wheatgrass responded strongly to low-dose feeding, and ongoing trials include spring onions and a seed coating to deter slugs.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/biostimulants/potassium-silicate-20-litres/