Hydroponics Daily

Pseudo-Cereals uncovered: Hydroponics, Microgreens & Nutrition

Dr. Russell Sharp examines pseudocereals—non-grass crops like quinoa, amaranth, chia, buckwheat and fat hen—and their potential as hydroponic microgreens.
The episode covers germination experiments, nutritional benefits (reduced phytic acid, increased vitamins) and the promise of microgreens for improving human and animal nutrition worldwide.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/thatch-degrader/

Revolving Hydroponics: Inside Revoponics’ Vertical Drum Revolution

Dr. Russell Sharp explores Revoponics, a rotating vertical hydroponic system installed at Queen's University. He compares it to earlier drum-based designs, explains how the rotating towers can improve harvesting, lighting efficiency and space use, and discusses potential benefits for local food production and research.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/thatch-degrader/

Scrog Nets & Horizontal Support: Boost Yields Without Stakes

Dr. Russell Sharp explains horizontal netting (scrog nets) for hydroponic growers and how these nets support vines and stems across crops like cannabis, tomatoes, cucumbers, chrysanthemums, and melons.
Learn the benefits—better support, reduced lodging, improved airflow, and easier maintenance—plus practical tips on DIY vs. store-bought nets and when to use horizontal vs. vertical supports.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Acid Rain in Hydroponics: What Growers Must Know

Dr. Russell Sharp explains what acid rain is, how sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides form strong acids, and why this matters for plant health both outdoors and in hydroponic systems.
The episode covers direct leaf damage, nutrient leaching (especially calcium), soil and root impacts, and why acidic foliar sprays can mimic acid rain and harm your crops.
Practical advice: be aware of air-quality sources, test the pH of foliar sprays before use, and avoid applying highly acidic products to leaves.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Chinese Urban Agriculture

Dr. Russell Sharp explores unusual hydroponic projects, focusing on the Hengshui Vertical Farm in China — a multi-story, LED-assisted urban farming innovation center with rooftop greenhouses, classrooms, and water-recycling and passive cooling systems.
He also covers a Canadian converted warship now growing produce in its hull, discussing the social, logistical and regulatory challenges and the potential for remote communities to gain access to fresh food through hydroponics.
https://www.verticalfarmdaily.com/article/9762351/four-story-vertical-farm-integrating-cultivation-research-and-education-opens-in-china/
 
 
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

How Bt Kills: The Science Behind Bacillus thuringiensis

Dr. Russell Sharp breaks down Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): what it is, how Cry proteins selectively destroy insect pests, and why Bt is considered safe for humans, animals and beneficial insects.
The episode also examines Bt’s use in organic and GM crops, practical considerations for hydroponics, other helpful Bacillus species, and a brief microgreens update.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

The Secret Power of Green Light in Hydroponics

Dr. Russell Sharp explains how green light, once overlooked, improves photosynthesis deeper in crop canopies, opens stomata to aid nutrient transport, and can be used at night without triggering flowering responses in many plants.
He also warns that cocoa coir prices have tripled, urging growers to consider reusable or alternative media while using green LEDs to improve crop inspection, pest detection, and worker safety.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

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/