Hydroponics Daily

• Rockwool vs Bare-Root NFT: When to Use Growing Media

  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/

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• Hydroponic Avocado Revolution: Mexico’s Soil-less Orchards

  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

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• Hydroponic Peanuts: Can We Grow Them Without Soil?

  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, 

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• The International Space Station has a big Hydroponic Headache!

  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

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• Growing Edamame Indoors: Japan's Hydroponic Breakthrough

  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    

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