Best Dr Russell Sharp Eutrema Ltd Podcasts (2025)

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Rockwool vs Bare-Root NFT: When to Use Growing Media 9:15

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4h ago9:15

9:15

Host Dr. Russell Sharp explores why some hydroponic systems use large grow media slabs (like rockwool) while others rely on bare-root NFT with small plugs, explaining the advantages and drawbacks for crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and herbs. The episode also includes a special offer: UK-based professional growers can request free sample…

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Hydroponic Avocado Revolution: Mexico’s Soil-less Orchards 16:44

3h ago16:44

16:44

In this episode Dr. Russell Sharp of Hydroponics Daily explores the rising use of hydroponics to grow avocados in Mexico. He explains the common systems (air pots, coco, drip irrigation), the reasons growers are switching, and the practical challenges of a perennial crop. Key topics include temperature and frost sensitivity, drainage and Phytophtho…

1
Hydroponic Peanuts: Can We Grow Them Without Soil? 7:46

3d ago7:46

7:46

Dr. Russell Sharp explores experimental research on growing peanuts hydroponically, summarizing NASA studies and university trials using deep water culture (DWC) and nutrient film technique (NFT). He explains the peanut life cycle—flowering, peg (gynophore) formation, and pod development—and why pegging into a moist zone or specially designed trays…

1
The International Space Station has a big Hydroponic Headache! 9:38

24h ago9:38

9:38

Dr. Russell Sharp discusses recent research (published in npj Microgravity) showing that lettuce grown on the International Space Station contains significantly less calcium and magnesium and lower antioxidant and protective compounds than Earth-grown counterparts. These nutrient changes matter for astronauts who already face bone loss, radiation s…

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Growing Edamame Indoors: Japan's Hydroponic Breakthrough 7:44

1h ago7:44

7:44

Dr. Russell Shaw explores recent Japanese research showing that edamame can be successfully grown hydroponically under LED lighting, yielding stable, high-quality crops independent of season. The indoor methods produced stronger plants, higher sugar and isoflavone levels, and suggest a way to grow nutrient-dense, protein-rich legumes in vertical fa…

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Hydrofarm: A Reality Check for the Hydroponics Industry 12:17

6d ago12:17

12:17

Dr. Russell Sharp breaks down Hydrofarm’s latest results, falling sales, large write-downs and the company’s role as a barometer for the hydroponics and legal cannabis markets. The episode explores Hydrofarm’s brand portfolio, financial challenges, restructuring efforts and what the company’s struggles might mean for the wider hydroponic sector goi…

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Titanium & Plant Health: Miracle Micronutrient or Risky Gamble? 9:40

7h ago9:40

9:40

Dr. Russell Sharp explores the role of titanium in plant health; what it is, how it’s used (chelated salts, titanium dioxide nanoparticles, foliar and root applications), and why it’s attracting interest in the biostimulant world. Although titanium is not an essential nutrient, low doses have sometimes boosted chlorophyll, photosynthesis, nutrient …

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Direct Air Capture for CO2 in Hydroponics 6:40

7h ago6:40

6:40

Dr. Russell Sharp explores the promise of direct air capture (DAC) as a way to enrich CO2 for hydroponic and greenhouse crops without burning fossil fuels. He discusses a Japanese company (Seibu Gaiken) running successful trials that showed average yield increases of about 20%, and compares DAC to other CO2 sources like breweries and biogas. The ep…

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Lamb's Lettuce: Hydroponic Gold, not just for Winter 9:28

9h ago9:28

9:28

Dr. Russell Sharp explores lamb's lettuce (Valerianella locusta) as an underrated hydroponic crop, highlighting its unique botanical lineage, high nutrient content, and suitability for cold or unheated systems where traditional lettuce and other warm crops struggle. The episode covers practical benefits—reduced soil contamination, potential premium…

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Eli Lilly's $3 BILLION Greenhouse Bet: Is Hydroponics the Next Pharma Frontier? 5:59

1h ago5:59

5:59

Host Dr. Russell Sharp discusses Eli Lilly's recent purchase of a greenhouse site in Katwijk, Netherlands, and explores possible links to botanical sourcing and GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs. He outlines how the $3 billion investment raises questions about future use, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, botanical ingredients, and impacts on horticult…

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Cold Roots, Chilled Yields: Diagnosing Root Cold Stress in Hydroponics 6:47

9d ago6:47

6:47

Dr. Russell Sharp discusses cold root stress in hydroponics, how it causes desiccation and nutrient uptake problems, and practical mitigations like raising plants or grafting. He reviews new research showing increased plant sterols can boost cold tolerance in tomatoes, and teases a follow-up story about Eli Lilly buying a Dutch greenhouse. https://…

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Bankruptcy in Soilless Farming: Clean Greens and Growy Singapore Fall 4:56

2h ago4:56

4:56

Dr. Russell Sharp reviews two recent failures in soilless agriculture: Swiss aeroponics firm CleanGreens went bankrupt after a promised CHF 50M investment failed to materialize, and Growy Singapore—an 8,000 m² vertical farm taken over from a US operator—entered liquidation within a year due to high costs and insufficient local investment despite go…

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Can Norway Grow Avocados? Inside the Hydroponic Experiment 8:27

5d ago8:27

8:27

Dr. Russell Sharp examines whether warm‑climate perennials like avocados can be grown economically indoors in cold countries. He reviews a Norwegian research trial using waste heat, cheap hydroelectric power, LED greenhouses, and micropropagation to produce local avocados, and discusses pollination, growth timelines, and energy costs. The episode w…

1
Fertilizer Fraud? The Truth Behind 60–90 Element Claims 10:20

2d ago10:20

10:20

Dr. Russell Sharp examines fertiliser products that claim to contain dozens to 90+ chemical elements, using the periodic table to show why many of those claims are impossible, radioactive, or potentially toxic. He explains that plants only need around a dozen essential nutrients (plus a few beneficials), points out which elements can’t realisticall…

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The 90-Element Myth: What’s Really in “Full Spectrum” Fertilisers 10:20

2d ago10:20

10:20

Dr. Russell Sharp examines fertiliser products that claim to contain dozens or even 90+ chemical elements, explaining why many of those claims are impossible, unsafe, or irrelevant. He walks through the periodic table, rules out noble gases, synthetic and highly radioactive elements, and highlights the nutrients plants actually need, urging listene…

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Fertilizer Falsehoods: The Myth of 90+ Elements in a Fertiliser 10:20

2d ago10:20

10:20

Dr. Russell Sharp exposes claims that fertilizers contain 60–90+ elements, showing many listed elements are impossible, radioactive, or toxic and explaining that plants only need a small set of essential nutrients. He evaluates sea-mineral and rock dust products, warns listeners to question extravagant element lists, and urges asking manufacturers …

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Larry Ellison’s $500M Hydroponic Dream: Sensai Farms’ High-Tech Failures 10:59

11d ago10:59

10:59

Dr. Russell Sharp examines Sensai Farms, Larry Ellison’s high‑profile hydroponic project in Hawaii, funded with hundreds of millions but hampered by cost overruns, design flaws, failing AI and robots, and unreliable power systems. The episode covers how these problems drove up production costs, affected local access to affordable produce, and force…

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Meet 'Thriller' — The Pumpkin That Looks Like It's Ripped Open 7:11

8d ago7:11

7:11

Dr. Russell Sharp highlights the eye-catching new pumpkin variety "Thriller": a dual-purpose edible and decorative squash with orange interior and green-striped exterior, set for commercial release in 2026. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/ Halloween pumpkins Squashes and gourds Hampton Court Flower Show …

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Why Is My Rhododendron Flowering in Autumn? The Truth About Precocious Blooming 9:04

5d ago9:04

9:04

Dr. Russell Sharp explains why plants like rhododendrons and other ornamentals sometimes flower in autumn — a phenomenon called precocious flowering caused by stress or unseasonal warmth. He outlines how this early bloom reduces spring displays and can ruin fruit crops. The episode discusses implications for hydroponic and indoor growers (especiall…

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Ferns in Hydroponics: From Victorian Mania to Modern Houseplant Gold 26:01

6d ago26:01

26:01

Dr. Russell Sharp explores whether ferns are a viable hydroponic crop, covering their limited edibility, high value as houseplants, and conservation concerns from historic "fern mania." The episode explains fern biology and propagation—spores, gametophytes, divisions and micropropagation—plus humidity, foliar uptake, and practical hydroponic consid…

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Minecraft and Vertical Farms: Harvest London's Canary Wharf Operation 8:24

13d ago8:24

8:24

Dr. Russell Sharp explores Harvest London’s open, glass-walled hydroponic farm at Canary Wharf—an accessible vertical farm supplying leafy greens and microgreens to local restaurants and food stalls. The multi-tier, pesticide-free system is visible to the public, making hydroponics educational and tangible for visitors. The episode highlights how p…

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Hydroponic Top Trumps 7:34

8d ago7:34

7:34

Russell introduces his hydroponics-themed Top Trumps card pack covering 32 pests, diseases and physiological issues, scored by damage, commonness, difficulty to treat and "bounce-back" ability. He outlines plans to print the cards, asks for feedback on entries, and notes podcast milestones and resources at eutrema.co.uk. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/…

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Secrets of Stomata: How Plants Balance Water and CO2 10:51

9d ago10:51

10:51

Dr. Russell Sharp explains how stomata—tiny pores on leaves controlled by guard cells—regulate gas exchange and water loss, why their opening matters for photosynthesis, and how stomatal conductance is measured and used to assess plant stress. He also shares a simple, practical method for growers: the clear nail varnish peel technique to capture le…

1
Hardwood Cuttings: Cheap, Simple & Often Overlooked 6:58

10d ago6:58

6:58

Dr. Russell Sharp explains hardwood cuttings for deciduous woody perennials, why they’re useful in autumn and winter, and how they’re easier and cheaper than softwood cuttings. He covers methods—using sand, perlite or a heated propagator, basal heat, rooting hormone, tips for hydroponic transfers, species that root well (willow, mulberry, hydrangea…

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Inside Lettuce Grow: Zooey Deschanel’s Stylish Home Hydroponics 6:30

11d ago6:30

6:30

Dr. Russell Sharp reviews Lettuce Grow, a celebrity-backed company (founded in 2019) that sells stylish, kitchen-scale hydroponic stands and kits like the Farmstand. He covers design, multi-layer systems, recirculating pumps, and accessories aimed at home growers. The episode discusses seedlings, fertilizers (A/B and one-part options), expected yie…

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The limitations of EC meters: what they can, and can't, tell you 8:38

12d ago8:38

8:38

Dr. Russell Sharp explains how EC meters work, what they’re useful for and their key limitations — including temperature sensitivity, inability to distinguish ion types, and poor detection of many organic inputs like Liquid Gold (Gold Leaf). Practical tips: always measure EC and pH in your actual water after adding the manufacturer’s recommended do…

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Eat Your Way to Healthier Teeth: Israeli Study Finds Brassicas Fight Cavities 7:29

13d ago7:29

7:29

In this episode Dr. Russell Sharp discusses an Israeli study showing that diindolemethane (DIM), a compound formed when we digest cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage, can inhibit Streptococcus mutans growth and disrupt dental plaque. The episode covers how DIM could be used in future oral-care products or encouraged through diet, touch…

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Developing a Biodegradable Controlled‑Release Fertiliser 8:15

14d ago8:15

8:15

Dr. Russell Sharp discusses manufacturing chitosan biofungicide and announces a lab breakthrough creating a biodegradable alternative to Osmocote, driven by concerns over microplastics and corporate practices. The episode covers trials showing hemp matting outperforms coco coir for microgreens, a failed cardboard grow‑media test, resilient ebb-and-…

1
Why Liebig's Barrel Falls Apart: Rethinking Nutrient Limits in Hydroponics 8:41

15d ago8:41

8:41

Dr. Russell Sharp examines Liebig’s Law of the Minimum and explains why the simple barrel analogy can mislead hydroponic growers. He highlights interacting nutrients, dynamic environmental changes, physiological adaptation, thresholds and non-linear responses. The episode explores alternative frameworks—Shelford’s tolerance, multiple limitation hyp…

1
Root Pruning: Control Growth from the Roots 9:48

16d ago9:48

9:48

Dr. Russell Sharp explores the forgotten technique of root pruning and how trimming roots helps control shoot vigour in both hydroponic and soil-grown plants. The episode explains practical uses—bonsai, nursery stock, ornamental trees, and mother plants—container options like air pots, propagation tips with root cuttings, and precautions about path…

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Can Sports Turf Be Grown Hydroponically? The Future of Soil-less Lawns 13:39

21d ago13:39

13:39

Dr. Russell Sharp explores the emerging world of hydroponic sports turf and lawn care, discussing research trials, recirculatory systems, LED lighting, and practical applications from rapid sod production to full-scale stadium and golf green solutions. Learn about environmental benefits, water and nutrient recycling, commercial feasibility, and rea…

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Root Cuttings: The Forgotten Propagation Technique 8:32

17d ago8:32

8:32

Dr. Russell Sharp explains root cuttings — what they are, which plants respond well (eg. sassafras, paulownia/foxglove trees, aralia, clematis, hops), and why they’re useful for removing pests or reverting mature plants to juvenile growth. He also gives practical tips: when to plant vertically or horizontally, why you should avoid rooting hormones,…

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Exposed: The Death of Journalism in Horticulture & Agriculture 8:19

18d ago8:19

8:19

Dr. Russell Sharp rips into the horticultural and agricultural press for ignoring major public-interest stories—accusing industry influence, highlighting ICL’s controversial products, the spread of microplastics from controlled-release fertilizers, and attempts to sell carcinogenic metal-based fertilizers. The episode argues for tougher investigati…

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Hydroponics in Schools: Growing Minds and Greens 16:10

19d ago16:10

16:10

This episode explores the pros and cons of introducing hydroponic systems in schools, highlighting educational benefits like hands-on science, engineering, chemistry and business learning, as well as practical challenges such as cost and staffing. It also covers year-round growing, cross-curricular links, community partnerships, green walls and car…

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Lightning in a Bottle: Plasma-Activated Water for Hydroponics 6:41

20d ago6:41

6:41

This episode explores plasma-activated water (PAW): how ionized gas (like lightning) can be used to create reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that supply plant-available nitrogen and act as a natural sanitizer for hydroponic systems. We cover potential benefits (reduced synthetic nitrogen use, biofilm and pythium suppression, no toxic residue), p…

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Why Ladybirds Fail in Hydroponics: The Truth About Biocontrol 7:34

21d ago7:34

7:34

This episode explains why ladybirds (ladybugs) are often poor biological control agents in hydroponic systems: adults tend to fly away, larvae may not eat aphids effectively or can die, they can clog filters, and invasive or disease issues can arise. Alternatives are discussed, including lacewings, predatory mites (which can be sustained with polle…

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Hydroponic Mushrooms? Inside the World of Liquid Mycelium 9:59

22d ago9:59

9:59

Dr. Russell Sharp investigates whether mushrooms can be grown without soil—covering liquid mycelium cultures, industrial mycelium bioreactors, and the limits of inert hydroponic media like rockwool. He explains that mycelium can be expanded in nutrient broths, but most mushrooms still need a solid organic substrate (straw, sawdust, or coffee ground…

1
Wetting Agents in Hydroponics 8:51

1M ago8:51

8:51

Dr. Russell Sharp breaks down the three main types of surfactants (anionic, cationic, non‑ionic), how they’re used to re-wet hydrophobic grow media, and their roles as adjuvants and insecticidal soaps. He warns against sodium-based products like sodium lauryl sulfate and recommends sodium-free alternatives, highlighting Eutrema’s clay drainer, yucc…

1
Inside Growy: A Robot-Run Vertical Farm Tour in Amsterdam 13:28

1M ago13:28

13:28

Dr. Russell Sharp tours Growy’s Amsterdam vertical farm, exploring their unique fermented starch acetate growing media, automated gutter system with robots for seeding, irrigation and harvest, and energy‑efficient features like water‑cooled LEDs and heat recovery. The episode covers production figures (60 kg/m²/yr lettuce, 40 herbs, 35 microgreens)…

1
Hydroponics vs. Field Farming: The Real Reasons Supermarkets May Switch 7:38

25d ago7:38

7:38

Dr. Russell Sharp contrasts outdoor soil-grown vegetables with hydroponic indoor production, focusing on labour differences, pest pressures, and contamination risks. He explains how the withdrawal of neonicotinoids and rising insect issues in Europe make hydroponics advantageous for pest control and cleaner produce, potentially influencing supermar…

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Roof Irises: The Perfect Ornamental for Hydroponics 9:28

1M ago9:28

9:28

Dr. Russell Sharp discusses the potential of ornamental hydroponics and spotlights Iris tectorum (the roof iris) as an ideal species for indoor soilless cultivation due to its tolerance of low nutrients, stress, and inert media. The episode covers the plant’s historical roof cultivation in Asia and Europe, its bioactive compounds of pharmaceutical …

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Cardboard, Hemp & Sawdust: Unconventional Microgreens Media Trial 4:58

1M ago4:58

4:58

Dr. Russell Sharp tests unconventional, nutrient-free grow media for microgreens—hemp and microgreens matting, cardboard and coarse sawdust—comparing results for chia and onion in a hydroponic setup. The episode covers the trial design, potential issues (mould, decomposition, nutrient deficiencies, wood toxins) and invites listener feedback as the …

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Gavita Management Buyout: Hydroponics Shake‑Up After Miracle‑Gro Split 5:50

28d ago5:50

5:50

This episode reports Gavita’s management buyout following Miracle‑Gro/Hawthorne’s divestment of its hydroponics businesses and what that could mean for the industry. Also included: a production update from Eutrema on a solvent‑free, highly concentrated 12.5% indole‑butyric acid auxin solution, chitosan biofungicide shipments, and planned jasmonic a…

1
Auxin Solutions/gels - Do you know how to use them? 1:50

29d ago1:50

1:50

Dr. Russell Sharp records a short episode to ask listeners to take a quick Instagram poll about what they know regarding auxin sprays, gels, and solutions. He teases upcoming episodes with deeper explanations of auxin uses and more insights from the congress, including a look at what a "gigafarm" is. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/pesticides-organic/li…

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Why 'Hydroponic' Doesn't Sell: Lessons from Growy 6:17

1M ago6:17

6:17

By Eutrema Ltd

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Stereo Microscopes - See Your Plants Like Never Before 7:52

1M ago7:52

7:52

By Eutrema Ltd

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Extinct Tomatoes & Why Species Matter More Than Varieties 5:35

1M ago5:35

5:35

Dr. Russell Sharp recounts reintroducing extinct tomato varieties like the Blaby Special and Manx Marvel, then examines the relative value of preserving heritage cultivars versus conserving whole wild species and their genetic diversity. He argues that wild species and ancestral strains often hold more crucial genetic value for future breeding and …

1
Hydroponic Carnivores: Growing Venus Flytraps and Other Carnivorous Plants Without Soil 11:18

1M ago11:18

11:18

Dr. Russell Sharp experiments with growing carnivorous plants hydroponically—Venus flytraps, sundews, and pitcher plants. He discusses challenges like their need for nutrient-poor acidic conditions, winter dormancy, pests, and the plan to use RO water, very low nutrient solutions, peat-free media, and NFT/DWC systems, promising updates as he learns…

1
Fruit Attraction 2025: Hydroponics Discoveries and Industry Surprises 13:00

1M ago13:00

13:00

Dr. Russell Sharp reports from Fruit Attraction in Madrid, sharing key hydroponics and fresh-produce industry discoveries from the trade show. Main takeaways: large distributors dominated the show with impressive stands, biostimulant firms remain small, and a noticeable presence of vegan and microbial fertiliser companies. Hydroponic systems and li…

1
Why Is West Virginia Missing from the Hydroponics Map? 12:16

1M ago12:16

12:16

Dr. Russell Sharp investigates why West Virginia seems to have low interest in hydroponics, examining factors like GDP, geography, cannabis laws, and local market access. The episode highlights existing efforts — NASA-funded programs at West Virginia University, community college courses, Mocks Farm, and Blue Acre Aquaponics — and discusses grants,…