Hydroponics Daily

Who’s Steering Hawthorne? The Mysterious Buyout of Scotts’ Hydroponics Empire

This episode of Hydroponics Daily unpacks the rise of Hawthorne Horticulture, a Scotts Miracle-Gro subsidiary (Hagedorn family) that bought major hydroponic brands like Gavita, General Hydroponics and Botanicare, and the controversies that followed.
We explore post-lockdown decline, Scotts’ strategy to move Hawthorne off its balance sheet into an opaque independent partner (now Hawthorne Collective), questions about who now runs it, legal disputes around lighting, environmental concerns, and what this means for the hydroponics industry.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/organic-fertilisers/seaweed-extract-cold-processed/

Belgium's Hydroponic Leek Leap: 3,000 m² Farm in Ypres

Dr. Russell Sharp explores a new 3,000 m² commercial hydroponic leek facility in Ypres, Belgium, developed by Agro Reo, Hydromasters and Endura with VLEA and EU support.
The outdoor deep-water system promises faster cycles, reduced soil-borne disease, closed-loop water and automated harvesting, enabling soil-free exports and competition with traditional field-grown leeks.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/biostimulants/sea-silica-silicon-fertiliser/

Game-Changer for Growers? Nordetect’s Handheld Nutrient Tester

Dr. Russell Sharp reviews Nordetect’s upcoming handheld tester that measures nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur in fertigation streams using a patented agrochip plus spectrophotometry, delivering lab-level results in about three minutes instead of days.
https://www.nordetect.com/
The episode explains how the device could enable real-time nutrient monitoring, integrate with specialist software, help growers verify fertilizer claims, and potentially expose diluted or mislabelled products; it is not yet on sale but personalised demos are available.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/organic-fertilisers/seaweed-extract-cold-processed/

When Automation Fails: Heatwave Scorches Greenhouse Grapes & Orchids

Dr. Russell Sharp discusses how environmental automation can help grow rooms and greenhouses — and what happens when it breaks. He recounts a Dutch grape nursery where vent failures during a heatwave pushed temperatures over 50°C (122°F), ruining about 95% of the harvest, and an orchid grower who lost roughly 75% of his crop after a power outage disabled vents and shade systems.
The episode underlines the need for fail-safes, backup power, and contingency planning for automated systems, and notes the human and financial toll on growers, as well as potential mitigation steps like alternative revenue streams and resilient infrastructure.

Bee UNFRIENDLY Plants: when flowers turn toxic

Dr. Russell Sharp explores the surprising world of bee-unfriendly plants — species whose nectar or flower structure can harm bees or taint honey. Examples discussed include rhododendron and Kalmier (gravinotoxin), the strawberry tree (arbutin), tulips and lime (toxic sugars), nicotine-laced tobacco, and double/ornamental flowers that block pollinators.
The episode also considers theories for why plants produce toxic nectar (defense, limiting nectar intake, or intoxicating pollinators) and highlights wind-pollinated and ancient beetle-pollinated plants that offer little to bees.
Takeaway: if you want to protect pollinators or honey quality, be mindful of what you plant and prioritize diverse, bee-friendly species — and remember native wild bees matter too.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/organic-fertilisers/seaweed-extract-cold-processed/

Live Births in Plants: The Strange Science of Vivipary

Dr. Russell Sharp explains vivipary, a rare form of plant propagation where seeds germinate while still attached to the parent plant, producing plantlets that drop off ready to grow.
The episode covers causes (low ABA/high moisture), examples (mangroves, Kalanchoe, alliums, carnivorous plants, tomatoes, cannabis), differences from false vivipary, and practical implications for hydroponic growers.
 
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/organic-fertilisers/seaweed-extract-cold-processed/

Sea Urchin Biostimulants: A New Trend for Hydroponics?

Dr. Russell Sharp explores recent research into biostimulants made from sea urchins—created to reduce urchin overpopulation in kelp forests and potentially used in hydroponics.
The episode compares sea urchin products to traditional seaweed extracts, discusses variable growth results (lettuce trials), sustainability and regulatory concerns, and concludes seaweed extracts currently outperform sea urchin biostimulants for plant growth.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/organic-fertilisers/seaweed-extract-cold-processed/

Revolutionizing Tomato Harvesting: AI and Aeroponics in Action!

Explore the innovative world of soilless cultivation in this exciting episode of Hydroponics Daily. Dr. Russell Sharp delves into the state-of-the-art SAIA agro-robotics greenhouse located in the Dutch countryside, showcasing its cutting-edge aeroponic system designed for growing tomatoes without traditional media.
Witness the fascinating process where tomato plants, supported by twine and moved via conveyor belts, are harvested by AI-controlled robotic pickers. This breakthrough approach significantly reduces labor costs, providing a glimpse into future agricultural technologies.
Join Dr. Sharp as he uncovers the technological marvels behind this impressive facility and imagine the possibilities for commercial production worldwide.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/organic-fertilisers/seaweed-extract-cold-processed/

Hydroponics in the Heart of North Dakota

Welcome to this episode of Hydroponics Daily, where Dr. Russell Sharp highlights the transformative world of hydroponics in North Dakota. This state, known for its harsh winters and reliance on imported produce, is seeing a resurgence in local, sustainable farming practices.
Meet Larry Schumacher, a dedicated hydroponic pioneer in Bismarck, whose farm grows a variety of greens including lettuce, pak choy, and Russian kale. With the help of grants and innovative solutions like LED lights, Larry's initiative is contributing to affordable fresh produce for North Dakotans and beyond.
Discover the efforts of North Dakota State University graduates launching Great Plains Greens in Fargo. This venture is focused on producing lettuce and herbs, selling locally and through e-commerce platforms. Together, these innovators are reshaping the state's agricultural landscape, emphasizing sustainability and community resilience.
https://eutrema.co.uk/

Tunnel Hydroponics Across Europe

Join us in this episode of Hydroponics Daily as we delve into the exciting world of tunnel hydroponics. Discover how countries like Spain, Italy, and Finland are transforming abandoned underground spaces into thriving agricultural hubs. From aromatic herbs to leafy greens, explore the diverse array of crops being cultivated in these unique environments. Learn about the advantages of stable temperatures and pest-free growing conditions, and examine the challenges faced by tunnel farmers in competing with traditional field-scale growers. This episode sheds light on the innovative projects aligned with the EU's Farm to Fork strategy and the sustainable future of soilless cultivation.
https://eutrema.co.uk/