Episodes

Tuesday Jul 08, 2025
Tuesday Jul 08, 2025
Welcome to another episode of Hydroponics Daily! Today, we dive deep into the perplexing world of Karrikins, fascinating chemicals in the smoke of burning plant materials that can significantly boost seed germination and plant development. Discover how they mimic the plant hormone strigolactone and help in forming mycorrhizal connections, potentially enhancing branching and overall plant health.
We also tackle the common confusion between silica and salicylic acid among our customers, explaining their distinct roles in plant strengthening and defense activation. Finally, hear about the ongoing struggles at Eutrema HQ, from sourcing mineral wool slabs to the challenges in the hydroponics industry, and how our dedication to soilless cultivation remains unwavering.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Monday Jul 07, 2025
Monday Jul 07, 2025
Welcome back to Hydroponics Daily, the ultimate podcast for soilless cultivation enthusiasts. In this episode, we introduce the Hydroponic Grower's Toolkit, a comprehensive resource crafted to ease your hydroponic journey. From daily financial conversions to essential equipment checklists, this toolkit is designed to streamline your growing process. Join us as we navigate through nutrient guidelines, equipment essentials, and resourceful links that will become your daily companions in the world of hydroponics. Don’t miss the chance to enhance your growing skills with this free and accessible spreadsheet that promises to be invaluable for both novice and seasoned growers.
LINK TO TOOLKIT:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FcjTeOfPF1ewkhlnwSIzZfpAs_ZwSOVHR5UEatb2o0w/edit?usp=sharing

Sunday Jul 06, 2025
Sunday Jul 06, 2025
Welcome back to Hydroponics Daily, the ultimate podcast for all your soilless cultivation insights. In this episode, we uncover the fascinating world of seed germination and the various chemicals that can enhance this process. From everyday compounds like bananas releasing ethylene, to unexpected elements like cyanide found naturally in seeds, we explore how these substances impact plant growth. We also discuss why some compounds such as abscisic acid inhibit germination and how to avoid growth-limiting conditions.
Intrigued by the many ways to promote seed growth? Discover the potential of hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, and even the surprising role of aspirin in plant science. Whether you're a seasoned hydroponics enthusiast or a curious newbie, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to improve your gardening techniques.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Saturday Jul 05, 2025
Saturday Jul 05, 2025
Welcome to another episode of Hydroponics Daily! In today's discussion, Dr. Russell Sharp delves into the often-overlooked subject of dechlorination in hydroponics. Tap water, commonly used for its convenience, contains disinfectants like chlorine and chloramines, which can negatively impact both plant growth and beneficial microbial life.
The episode highlights the importance of understanding the difference between chlorines and chloramines, their role in water treatment, and the potential risks they pose to your hydroponic system. Dr. Sharp explores various methods for dechlorination, from natural gassing off to using commercial dechlorinators and carbon filters.
Learn about the pros and cons of each method and why certain fertilizers, such as gold leaf and liquid gold, offer built-in dechlorination solutions. Whether you're considering harvesting rainwater or investing in reverse osmosis, this episode provides valuable insights to help optimize your plant growth. Tune in and discover how a simple step like dechlorination can significantly enhance your hydroponic results!
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Friday Jul 04, 2025
Friday Jul 04, 2025
Welcome to Hydroponics Daily with Dr. Russell Sharp, where today’s episode delves into the critical differences between seed vigour and seed viability. These terms might sound similar, but they measure distinct seed characteristics essential for optimal growth in soilless cultivation systems.
Dr. Sharp, developer of numerous hydroponic innovations, explains how viability reflects whether a seed is alive and capable of germination, while vigour addresses the seed’s performance under various growth conditions. Tune in to learn how these factors impact plants from germination to harvest, particularly in automated systems where rapid growth is vital.
Discover practical insights into storage methods, testing techniques for seed quality, and expert tips for boosting your seed's performance, ensuring a robust yield in your hydroponic garden.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Join Dr. Russell Sharp on Hydroponics Daily as he delves into the fascinating world of pollen. In this episode, discover the crucial role that pollen plays in plant reproduction and how you can manipulate it within your hydroponic setup. Learn about the diverse forms of pollen, from wind-dispersed grains to the intricate pollinia of orchids, and the significance of pollen in various scientific fields, including forensics.
Additionally, explore common pollination methods for controlled environments, such as hand pollination and the use of insects, and understand the importance of choosing the right approach for different crops.
Dr. Sharp also provides an eye-opening update on popular garden center fertilizers, revealing their hidden flaws and why they're not always the best choice for your plants.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
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/

Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
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/

Monday Jun 30, 2025
Monday Jun 30, 2025
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/

Sunday Jun 29, 2025
Sunday Jun 29, 2025
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/








