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.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/biostimulants/yucca-extract/
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/pesticides-organic/eutrema-insecticidal-soap-sodium-free/
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/soil-conditioners/clay-drainer/
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8:51
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8:51
Wetting Agents
Today's podcast episode is all about wetting agents and their use in horticulture.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/biostimulants/yucca-extract/
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/pesticides-organic/eutrema-insecticidal-soap-sodium-free/
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/soil-conditioners/clay-drainer/
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9:17
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9:17
Inside Growy: A Robot-Run Vertical Farm Tour in Amsterdam
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/
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13:28
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13:28
Hydroponics vs. Field Farming: The Real Reasons Supermarkets May Switch
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/
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7:38
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7:38
Roof Irises: The Perfect Ornamental for Hydroponics
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 interest, and practical ideas like using reed thatch as a growing medium, urging growers to explore ornamentals as a niche in hydroponics.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/
Daily clips of hydroponic science throughout the whole of 2025
Presented by Dr Russell Sharp
Brought to you by the team behind Gold Leaf - seed to harvest with just one bottle of feed.
UK