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/
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Ice cream
Custard
Madagascar
Indonesia
Nepal
India
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10:25
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10:25
Hydroponics on the Alkaline Edge: Crops That Cope with High pH
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/
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8:58
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8:58
Why Acid-Loving Crops Thrive at pH 5.5 in Hydroponics
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/
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5:54
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5:54
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/
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.
South Africa