Dr. Russell Sharp explores a controversial strategy where entire growing regions pause production for 20–30 days to break pest life cycles — using crop removal, soil solarization and biological controls. He compares past field-crop proposals to recent plans in Almería to tackle thrips and discusses the economic pain, possible aid, and whether coordinated shutdowns could work for other crops. The episode weighs practical challenges, examples from rapeseed and protected crops, and asks listeners to consider if collective action can realistically eliminate stubborn pests or diseases. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/   Andrés Iniesta, Xavi, Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol, Iker Casillas, lamine yamal, 

Dr. Russell Sharp dives into the unique world of vanilla: an orchid vine that requires delicate, manual pollination outside its native range, long development times, and careful curing. Learn why vanilla farming is labor-intensive, how hydroponic tower systems are being used, and what breeders are doing to improve resilience and pollination. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/   Ice cream Custard Madagascar Indonesia Nepal India

Dr. Russell Sharp explores plants and crops that tolerate very alkaline soils and how that knowledge applies to hydroponic systems. The episode covers common tolerant crops (barley, sugar beet, cotton, sorghum, alfalfa, buffalo/Bermuda grass) and highly tolerant species like Atriplex as a possible spinach substitute in high‑pH water. Practical tips include expected pH ranges, when alkalinity and salinity overlap, and suggestions for experimenting with gardener's orache (Atriplex) in hydroponics. Contact the host for advice on adapting fertigation and crop choices to alkaline conditions. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/  

In this short episode Dr. Russell Sharp explores which crops naturally prefer acidic conditions and explains why, when grown hydroponically, they are typically kept around pH 5.0–5.5 rather than the much lower soil pH they prefer. He covers examples like blueberries, cranberries, pineapple, tea and potatoes, and explains the roles of nutrient availability, soil biology and fertilizer practicality. Dr. Sharp also teases the next episode contrasting acid-loving (ericaceous) plants with alkaline-loving (calcicole) species. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

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 samples of selected Eutrema biostimulants and biopesticides (pay £4.95 postage) via this link: https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/pesticides-organic/free-samples-for-professional-users-hidden-page/

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 Phytophthora root rot, nutrient and pH needs, the unusual A/B flowering pollination system, pruning and spacing, and the art of harvesting and ripening. The episode ends with a lighthearted AI tool demo. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/    Claudia Sheinbaum, Chicharito, Raúl Jiménez

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 is critical. The episode covers nutrient needs (especially calcium), aeration, potential water savings compared with soil, and the challenges of commercial production. It highlights peanut hydroponics' experimental status, possible benefits for water-limited farming, and opportunities for custom fertilizer development. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/   Planters, Jimmy Carter, 

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 stress, and digestive changes in space. The episode explores possible causes (microgravity, humidity, lighting, fertiliser), solutions such as biofortification, bioengineering, and choosing flavonoid-rich or seed/legume crops like soybeans, and outlines future research directions for producing nutritionally adequate crops on long-duration space missions. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/   Tim Peake, Helen Sharman, Neil Armstrong, Sally Ride, Yuri Gagarin, John Glenn, Buzz Aldrin, Valentina Tereshkova, Blue Origin, SpaceX, Elon Mush, Jeff Bezos, Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Star Trek

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 farms—opening new opportunities beyond typical leafy greens. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/      Professor Toshio Sano from the Faculty of Bioscience and Applied Chemistry at Hosei University University of Tokyo  Wagamamas Nobu Matsuhisa Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver, Heston Blumenthal, Mary Berry, Nigella Lawson, Tom Kerridge, and Rick Stein    

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 going forward. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/   nasdaq, new york stock exchange, london stock exchange

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 uptake and stress tolerance; effects depend strongly on species, particle form, application method and the plant’s iron and nutrient status. However, titanium shows a hormetic response: low doses can help but higher doses cause chlorosis, necrosis and growth suppression, with no clear safe thresholds—so the episode warns against using titanium fertilizers and recommends correcting core nutrient imbalances first. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/   Robocop, suncream, sunscreen, hip replacements, SR-71 Blackbird, Lockheed A-12 archangel, William Gregor, mannacan, 

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 episode highlights key caveats: DAC’s climate benefit depends on clean energy, units are currently large-scale, and they change heat management compared with gas burners. Dr. Sharp invites listener experience and feedback on whether vertical farms or large greenhouses will adopt this technology first. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/  

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 market value, and successful DWC trials—as well as challenges like delicate leaves, fungal susceptibility, bolting in heat, and the need for optimized nutrition and handling. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/   Ersatz crops Tim Davie  Deborah Turness Samir Shah Mary Keen    

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 horticulture. The episode also touches on historical examples of plant‑derived medicines, the Nagoya Protocol on sharing benefits from genetic resources, and the wider implications for food demand and greenhouse agriculture. Tune in to hear the latest developments and what to watch for next. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/ Wegovy (also semaglutide, approved for weight loss), Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide, a dual-action drug), and Saxenda (liraglutide) Type 2 diabetes Whoopi Goldberg, Charles Barkley, Amy Schumer, Serena Williams, Oprah Winfrey, and Elon Musk

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://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/ Univerity of Barcelona

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 government support. The episode looks at what went wrong, the impact on employees and technology, and notes Growy's Amsterdam site remains operational. Tune in for a concise breakdown and a preview of tomorrow’s episode on a cold-tolerant tomato variety. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/

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 weighs the trade-offs between long production times and local quality/supply benefits, shares practical hydroponic lessons, and invites listeners to share unusual crops they’ve grown. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/   Yara   Oslo Jonas Gahr Støre Erna Solberg  Jens Stoltenberg Erling Haaland Martin Ødegaard Ole Gunnar Solskjær John Arne Riise Svalbard Agrinos Nobel Prize Jo Nesbø Edvard Munch

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 to provide an exact element breakdown. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/      

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 forced Sensai to pivot from large‑scale growing to licensing its technology, raising questions about tech solutions in agriculture. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/   Tony Blair Sadiq Khan Nigel Farage Kemi Badenoch  

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 Soil Ninja The Plant Rescuer  Tony Le Briton