Hydroponics Daily

Dr. Russell Sharp reviews a new Nature Communications paper (Wang et al.) exploring the idea of adding chlorophyll d and f to crops so they can use far-red light (700–800 nm). The paper models up to …

Dr. Russell Sharp explores the critical red-to-far-red (R:FR) light ratio, how phytochrome senses these wavelengths, and how that signal shapes germination, stem elongation, flowering, and canopy arc…

Dr. Russell Sharp explains how different grow tent materials — metallized PET/mylar, white films, panels and paints — affect reflectivity, light uniformity and photosynthetic efficiency, and why comm…

Dr. Russell Sharp presents a brief Hydroponics Daily update covering myths about Soviet hydroponics, unusual crops like dragon fruit and the Annona family, and a botanical note about magnolia tepals.

Dr. Russell Sharp examines a UNDP-led hydroponics project in the Aral Sea region that grows fast, soilless wheat and alfalfa fodder to address polluted, infertile land and livestock feed shortages.

T…

Dr. Russell Sharp explains the whitefly life cycle, why they hide under leaves and how to control them in hydroponic systems. He also shares microgreen hydroponic tips and the importance of removing …

Dr Russell Sharp explains what whitefly are, why they threaten greenhouse and outdoor hydroponic crops, and how to detect them early.

The episode covers monitoring methods, prevention (filters, airfl…

Dr. Russell Sharp explains why sodium is highly toxic to plants, how it damages cellular functions, causes nutrient imbalances and reduces yield, and why osmotic stress is not the only issue.

He outl…

Dr. Russell Sharp shares a Liverpool tour and a farmer's rhubarb story that highlights how fragile indoor-grown plants can be when transplanted outdoors.

The episode outlines why hardening off and we…

Dr. Russell Sharp explains why deliberately growing microgreens in darkness produces taller, sweeter, and easier-to-harvest seedlings. He shares observations from trials with basil, mustard, pea shoo…

Dr. Russell Sharp invites listeners to Hydroponics Daily to get a free sample in exchange for an Apple Podcasts review — just screenshot your review and email it to him to claim a product.

Available …

In this episode Dr. Russell Sharp explores the practical science of growing crops on Mars — water sources and site choices, lighting and power options, and why indoor, LED‑lit hydroponics (NFT, aerop…

Dr. Russell Sharp of Eutrema Limited breaks down why algae is a problem in hydroponic and greenhouse reservoirs—how it competes for nutrients and oxygen, clogs lines, and risks crop and food-safety i…

This episode of Hydroponics Daily unpacks the rise of Hawthorne Horticulture, a Scotts Miracle-Gro subsidiary (Hagedorn family) that bought major hydroponic brands like Gavita, General Hydroponics an…

Dr. Russell Sharp explores a new 3,000 m² commercial hydroponic leek facility in Ypres, Belgium, developed by Agro Reo, Hydromasters and Endura with VLEA and EU support.

The outdoor deep-water system…

Dr. Russell Sharp reviews Nordetect’s upcoming handheld tester that measures nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur in fertigation streams using a patented agrochip plus spect…

Dr. Russell Sharp discusses how environmental automation can help grow rooms and greenhouses — and what happens when it breaks. He recounts a Dutch grape nursery where vent failures during a heatwave…

Dr. Russell Sharp explores the surprising world of bee-unfriendly plants — species whose nectar or flower structure can harm bees or taint honey. Examples discussed include rhododendron and Kalmier (…

Dr. Russell Sharp explains vivipary, a rare form of plant propagation where seeds germinate while still attached to the parent plant, producing plantlets that drop off ready to grow.

The episode cove…

Dr. Russell Sharp explores recent research into biostimulants made from sea urchins—created to reduce urchin overpopulation in kelp forests and potentially used in hydroponics.

The episode compares s…