Hydroponics Daily

How I invented Gold Leaf

Join Dr. Russell Sharp on "Hydroponics Daily" as he takes us through the fascinating journey of how he invented Gold Leaf, or Liquid Gold, revolutionizing the world of hydroponic fertilizers. This innovative product, developed out of sheer determination and serendipitous innovation, simplifies the growing process for beginners and experts alike by offering a comprehensive one-part fertilizer solution. Discover how Dr. Sharp overcame industry skepticism and numerous formulation challenges to create a highly concentrated, pH-perfect fertilizer that dechlorinates automatically and enhances plant growth with every essential nutrient. Learn about the unique properties of Gold Leaf that set it apart from conventional fertilizers and its rising popularity in the ever-evolving market. Whether you are an experienced grower or just starting, this episode reveals the remarkable story of persistence, science, and the drive to make a positive environmental impact with reduced plastic use.

Manipulating Sex in Plants

In this captivating episode of Hydroponics Daily, Dr. Russell Sharp dives into the fascinating world of plant sexuality and how it can be manipulated for better crop production. As spring arrives, it's a busy time for hydroponic enthusiasts seeking the perfect fertilizer. Dr. Sharp shares his experiences with plant sex changes, discussing everything from cucumbers and pumpkins to cannabis. Discover the surprising effects of environmental factors, chemicals, and even electrocution on plants and learn about unique species like the bloody arum and the challenge of conserving rare cycads. With anecdotes from Dr. Sharp's research adventures in China and Northern California, this episode blends science with adventure for hydroponics enthusiasts worldwide.
 
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser

Plant Sexuality

On today's episode of Hydroponics Daily, join Dr. Russell Sharp as we delve into the captivating world of plant sexuality. Explore the evolutionary adaptations leading to male and female plants, and how these mechanisms prevent inbreeding depression. Discover the intriguing dynamics of dioecious and monoecious plants, and their significance in horticulture. Uncover the surprising connections between plant reproduction, pollination, and even horticultural practices involving drones and synthetic hormones. From hops to kiwis, and ginkgo to holly, learn about the diverse strategies plants use to thrive and the role of human intervention in cultivating specific outcomes. Tune in for an informative journey through the lens of hydroponics.
 
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

Pollination: Beyond Bees and Flowers

Welcome back to another episode of Hydroponics Daily with Dr. Russell Sharp. Today's discussion centers around the intricate world of pollination, a subject rich with fascinating stories and vital for our understanding of plant reproduction. Dr. Sharp explains pollination as the simple transfer of pollen from the male to the female parts of flowers, emphasizing its role in the wider context of the plant kingdom.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Sharp dispels myths about the indispensability of bees, arguing that other animals like birds, moths, and even flies also play crucial roles in this process. He delves deeper into the various methods of pollination used by different crops, from self-pollinating tomatoes to apples that require cross-pollination and pollinizers.
This episode also explores intriguing facts about pollination, such as its impact on fruit quality and how some crops, like cucumbers and pineapples, actually benefit from avoiding this process altogether. Tune in to learn more about the quirks of pollination and its significance in agriculture and horticulture.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/
 

Growing Record Breaking Giant Vegetables

Join us in this exciting episode of Hydroponics Daily as we explore the world of giant vegetable growing. Discover the challenges and triumphs of cultivating oversized produce, such as potatoes, carrots, and pumpkins. Learn from personal experiences and gain insights into the methods and nutrients essential for success, including the use of hydroponic systems and sponsors' contributions. We also delve into the historical contexts from the UK and the US and highlight resources and competitions that nurture this intriguing horticultural hobby.

Decoding Sustainable Farming: Organic, Biodynamic, Vegan, and Beyond

Welcome back to Hydroponics Daily! In this episode, we dive into various environmentally friendly methods of cultivation and explore terms that often cause confusion. We discuss the principles of organic farming, highlighting differences between various regulatory standards globally. Learn about vegan fertilizers and the challenges they face in delivering essential macronutrients. We also demystify biodynamics, permaculture, and homeopathic fertilizers, addressing their practical implications and scientific criticisms.
Moreover, we examine regenerative and biorational agricultural practices, focusing on the restoration of soil health and the use of biology-friendly additives. Discover how regenerative methods are gaining traction in Europe and North America, and the nuances between organic and hydroponic crops in different regions. Tune in for an insightful discussion and feel free to share your thoughts or experiences, especially if you're from countries or states where we are seeking to grow our listener base.

Advanced Horticultural Strategies

Join Dr. Russell Sharp, the inventor of gold leaf, as he explores ways for advanced horticulturalists to further enhance their knowledge. In this episode of Hydroponics Daily, Dr. Sharp shares his go-to resources for the latest studies and trends in plant science, ranging from prestigious journals to daily horticulture websites. Discover how applied and experimental research can push the boundaries of glasshouse horticulture and uncover new technological advancements at international conferences.

Crazy Roots

Join Dr. Russell Sharp on Hydroponics Daily as he delves into the world of "Crazy Roots," a bacterial disease affecting commercial greenhouses worldwide. Despite its whimsical name, this condition leads to the overproduction of unwanted plant roots, causing significant yield losses for growers, especially those utilizing rock wool or mineral wool. Discover the origin, spread, and management of this stubborn disease, and learn essential phytosanitary practices to prevent its invasion. Dr. Sharp emphasizes the importance of identifications, such as noticing abnormal root growth, and shares insights on maintaining a contaminant-free growing environment. This episode is a crucial listen for hydroponics enthusiasts and commercial growers who aim to protect their crops from this increasing threat.
 
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/pesticides-organic/chitosan-biofungicide/

Compost Teas

Welcome back to Hydroponics Daily with Dr. Russell Sharp. In today's episode, we delve into the fascinating world of compost teas. Compost teas are unique brews made from biological extracts, not suitable for drinking, but beneficial for plant growth. Discover the advantages of using these teas for ornamental plants, including enhanced nutrient absorption and protection against pests, diseases, and environmental stresses.
However, caution is advised when using them on edible crops due to potential bacterial risks. Learn about the intricacies of brewing compost teas, the importance of quorum sensing, and the potential challenges, such as spray nozzle blockages. Join Dr. Sharp as he shares insights from his experiences and explores this intriguing topic. Plus, a fun side note: could there ever be a compost coffee?
 
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/biostimulants/yucca-extract

Fiber crops in hydroponics?

Welcome to another episode of Hydroponics Daily with Dr. Russell Sharp, where we delve into the intriguing world of fiber crops as sustainable alternatives to cotton. Drawing from his experience at De Montfort University's fashion department, Dr. Sharp explores the environmental challenges of traditional cotton farming and introduces bast fibers—found in crops like nettles, hemp, and flax—as promising solutions.
Discover how specialized techniques such as retting and the use of enzymes are used to extract fibers from these plants, providing a greener pathway to producing textiles. Dr. Sharp shares his insights into the unique properties of these plants, including their growth habits and environmental benefits.
Join us as we navigate the challenges and opportunities in fiber crop cultivation, including processing technologies and the need for specialized machinery. This episode also unpacks fascinating historical tidbits, from German nettle cultivation during World Wars to the Blaby Special tomatoes of Leicester.
If you're interested in learning more about growing fiber crops or hydroponic techniques for such plants, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice. Tune in to explore the future of sustainable fashion and agriculture.
 
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/biostimulants/yucca-extract