Hydroponics Daily

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, risks like loss of variegation and reduced hardiness in the mother plant, and why root cuttings could be a game‑changer for hop propagation.

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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 investigative journalism and promotes hydroponics as a cleaner, soil-free alternative; listeners are invited to share tips and reactions.

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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 career pathways in ag‑tech and vertical farming.

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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), practical approaches, current research and real-world trials, plus limitations such as dosing control, decay of reactive species, equipment costs and energy demands.

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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 pollen), parasitoid wasps, entomopathogenic fungi, and other IPM strategies, plus considerations about cost, availability, and storage.

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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 grounds) to form fruiting bodies.

The episode also discusses pests (fungus gnats), contamination risks, practical starter options (oyster mushrooms on pasteurized straw), and emerging applications for liquid-grown mycelium such as alternative proteins and flavourings.

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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, yucca extract, and non-sodium insecticidal soap.

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Today's podcast episode is all about wetting agents and their use in horticulture.

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https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/pesticides-organic/eutrema-insecticidal-soap-sodium-free/

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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), long shelf life, supply‑chain integration, crop challenges (spinach and basil), global expansion plans, and potential future mushroom projects.

https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

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 supermarket sourcing and consumer expectations.

https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/