Hydroponics Daily

Far-Red Revolution: Could Chlorophyll D/F Boost Indoor Crop Yields?

Dr. Russell Sharp reviews a new Nature Communications paper (Wang et al.) exploring the idea of adding chlorophyll d and f to crops so they can use far-red light (700–800 nm). The paper models up to a 26% increase in soybean photosynthesis and biomass if plants could absorb that spectral region.
The episode discusses implications for hydroponics and indoor growing — cheaper far‑red LEDs, potential energy savings, and new crop architectures — and explores possible uses like multi‑cropping under canopy plants. Dr. Sharp notes this would require genetic modification and frames the technology as a tool with pros and cons.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340278822_From_physics_to_fixtures_to_food_current_and_potential_LED_efficacy
 
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Hidden Light Signals: How the Red:Far‑Red Ratio Controls Plant Growth

Dr. Russell Sharp explores the critical red-to-far-red (R:FR) light ratio, how phytochrome senses these wavelengths, and how that signal shapes germination, stem elongation, flowering, and canopy architecture.
He reviews practical grower strategies—LED spectrum tuning, end-of-day far-red pulses, crop-specific recommendations (basil, lettuce, tomatoes, ornamentals, legal cannabis), and recent insights into far-red’s photosynthetic role.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/soil-conditioners/organic-ph-down-2/

Mylar vs Matt White: The Truth About Grow Tent Reflectivity

Dr. Russell Sharp explains how different grow tent materials — metallized PET/mylar, white films, panels and paints — affect reflectivity, light uniformity and photosynthetic efficiency, and why common assumptions (mirror-like is best) can be misleading.
He also shares a bold experiment: cladding a new grow room in dark maroon matte paint to optimize video contrast for microgreens, and teases future episodes on red:far‑red ratios and other lighting variables.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/thatch-degrader/

Hydroponics Daily: No Soviet Secret Labs — Just Space Pizza

Dr. Russell Sharp presents a brief Hydroponics Daily update covering myths about Soviet hydroponics, unusual crops like dragon fruit and the Annona family, and a botanical note about magnolia tepals.
He reviews England’s move to allow gene-edited crops from 2026, a Wrexham University project growing ‘space pizza’ ingredients with schools, and his ongoing microgreens and seed experiments.
Listeners are invited to send questions or comments for future roundup episodes.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/thatch-degrader/

Green Hope in the Aral Desert: Hydroponics Feed the Future

Dr. Russell Sharp examines a UNDP-led hydroponics project in the Aral Sea region that grows fast, soilless wheat and alfalfa fodder to address polluted, infertile land and livestock feed shortages.
The episode covers the simple LED-and-tray systems, rapid harvest cycles, nutritional gains for animals, women-led household adoption, Japanese funding, and the project’s social and environmental benefits.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Whitefly Secrets Part 2 : Life Cycle, Damage & Control

Dr. Russell Sharp explains the whitefly life cycle, why they hide under leaves and how to control them in hydroponic systems. He also shares microgreen hydroponic tips and the importance of removing plant material to break pest life cycles.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/pesticides-organic/eutrema-insecticidal-soap-sodium-free/

Whiteflies Part 1: Protect Your Grow

Dr Russell Sharp explains what whitefly are, why they threaten greenhouse and outdoor hydroponic crops, and how to detect them early.
The episode covers monitoring methods, prevention (filters, airflow, sanitation), biological controls like Encarsia formosa, and selective chemical options including insecticidal soaps and rotation strategies.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/pesticides-organic/eutrema-insecticidal-soap-sodium-free/

Sodium: The Silent Killer in Hydroponics

Dr. Russell Sharp explains why sodium is highly toxic to plants, how it damages cellular functions, causes nutrient imbalances and reduces yield, and why osmotic stress is not the only issue.
He outlines common hidden sources of sodium in hydroponics — low-grade fertilizers, micronutrient chelates, grow media, water sources, insecticidal soaps and recycled inputs — and gives practical advice to avoid sodium contamination (use high-purity ingredients, potassium bicarbonate, and proper media buffering and water treatment).
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/pesticides-organic/eutrema-insecticidal-soap-sodium-free/

From Vertical Farm to Field: A Harsh Lesson in Transplant Shock

Dr. Russell Sharp shares a Liverpool tour and a farmer's rhubarb story that highlights how fragile indoor-grown plants can be when transplanted outdoors.
The episode outlines why hardening off and weaning are critical for plants moving from hydroponic or vertical systems to field cultivation, and offers practical takeaways to avoid transplant shock.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Hello Darkness, My Microgreens' friend: Embracing the Dark for Bigger, Sweeter Shoots

Dr. Russell Sharp explains why deliberately growing microgreens in darkness produces taller, sweeter, and easier-to-harvest seedlings. He shares observations from trials with basil, mustard, pea shoots, spring onions and more, and explains how etiolated growth converts seed starches into sugars for better flavour.
The episode also covers practical tips and trade-offs for small-scale production.
https://eutrema.co.uk/