Podcast Episodes

Rats in the NFT: Rodents, Risks and Hydroponic Safety

Episode 347

Dr. Russell Sharp of Utrema discusses a striking Facebook post—an AI image of rat droppings on an NFT lettuce system—and asks whether rodents are a real threat in hydroponics.

The episode covers the …

Published on 8 hours ago

Hidden Hydroponics: How Cosmetics Brands Quietly Grow Ingredients

Episode 346

Host Dr Russell-Sharp of Hydroponics Daily explores how hydroponics and vertical farming are widely used by non-food companies; especially cosmetics and fragrance brands, to grow active ingredients, …

Published on 1 day, 10 hours ago

Growing the Impossible: Hydroponic Crops the UK Can't Grow Outdoors

Episode 345

Dr. Russell Sharp explores crops that struggle outdoors in the UK due to short, cool seasons and shows how hydroponics or protected cultivation can make them viable. He discusses sweet potato slips, …

Published on 2 days, 10 hours ago

Hydroponics on Display: 8 Botanical Gardens to Visit

Episode 344

Dr. Russell Sharp tours botanical gardens around the world that feature hydroponic and aquaponic displays, from Pittsburgh and Dallas to Bethlehem, Malaysia, Dresden, Baghdad, and Irkutsk.

The episod…

Published on 3 days, 9 hours ago

Cardoon: The High‑Value Hydroponic Crop Michelin Chefs Crave

Episode 343

Dr Russell Sharp of Hydroponics Daily explores cardoon, a giant thistle related to globe artichoke, as a lucrative hydroponic crop ideal for small to medium grow rooms and a strong alternative to can…

Published on 4 days, 9 hours ago

HACK! Grow Your Own Predatory Mites: Slash Your Pest Control Costs

Episode 342

Dr. Russell Sharp shares a practical hack to dramatically reduce pesticide and biocontrol costs by culturing predatory mites on bran or pollen. This method lets growers seed a small container with pu…

Published on 5 days, 4 hours ago

The science behind pH perfect hydroponic solutions

Episode 341

Dr. Russell Sharp explains how to keep hydroponic solutions pH-stable, the role of balanced nitrates and ammonium, and how chemical buffers prevent pH swings.

The episode also covers other pH drivers…

Published on 6 days, 3 hours ago

Light vs Heavy Hydroponics: Why System Weight Matters

Episode 340

Dr. Russell Sharp explores how the weight of hydroponic systems affects portability, stability, thermal buffering and practical uses—from classrooms and balconies to cruise ships and space missions.

Published on 1 week ago

How McDonald's and Fast Food Drive Hydroponics

Episode 339

Dr. Russell Sharp of Hydroponics Daily explores how fast food chains, from McDonald’s to Subway and Taco Bell, consume enormous volumes of fresh produce and the opportunities this creates for hydropo…

Published on 1 week, 1 day ago

Bootstrapping Your Hydroponic Start Up: Keep Control, Innovation, Motivation and Fun

Episode 338

Dr. Russell Sharp makes the case for bootstrapping hydroponic businesses instead of taking big external investment, arguing that self-funding preserves control, motivation, creativity and long-term s…

Published on 1 week, 2 days ago