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Building a daily hydroponics podcast that’s all signal, no noise

“Insights per minute is the most valuable metric a podcaster should be concerned with”

When Dr. Russell Sharp, Managing Director of UK-based Eutrema Ltd, set out to publish a hydroponics podcast every day of 2025, many doubted it could be done. With over 180 episodes now live, Hydroponics Daily has not only hit the halfway mark but has also carved out a loyal international audience spanning growers, hobbyists, and curious scientists. "I heard a lot of people talk about starting a hydroponics podcast over the years," says Dr. Sharp, "but very few actually followed through."

The idea to go daily emerged when his list of potential topics surpassed 200. "I like podcasts that get to the point. No long intros, no ads," he says. "I thought a short, daily show packed with insights would appeal to busy horticulturalists." His approach is rooted in efficiency. "I feel 'insights per minute' is the most valuable metric a podcaster should be concerned with, but unfortunately, it is not measurable."

No music, no guests, just clarity and content
Dr. Sharp produces each episode solo, usually in the evening due to ongoing construction outside his office. "I started out batch recording but I've found I give more to each episode when I do them one at a time." With no co-hosts or ad slots, the editing process is lean. Each episode draws on Dr. Sharp's years of research, including a still-unpublished manuscript, and often incorporates trending stories from HortiDaily or findings from events like GreenTech.

"I just got back from Greentech where I spoke to many companies with new technologies I'll be featuring soon," he says. "If any other shows want to invite me to speak to their exhibitors or speakers, I'd be happy to travel to them too." He also credits earlier efforts in the space, including the now-retired NPK Hydroponics podcast. "Steve and Barry who ran the show deserve a lot of credit for moving hydroponics forward both in the UK and globally."

© Russell Sharp

Episodes that surprise and stir debate
Despite a technically minded listener base, it's not always the most advanced topics that resonate. "I did one on pH of fertigation solution and thought it'd be a dud, but it's my most listened-to episode this month," says Dr. Sharp.

Other episodes dive into contentious or unconventional territory. "I did a highly contentious episode on silicon fertilisers which upset a few people selling products claiming to contain 'monosilicic acid'," he says. "But I am confident I have the chemistry facts to back the episode up."

Quirkier moments abound, too. "I love the geeky nature of systems and getting plants to do crazy things. Chimeric plants, square watermelons, etc. Those are my favorites. A recent one involved me standing in a pond in December talking about flocculating algal blooms, which was very cold."

A podcast with global reach and real impact
Since its launch, Hydroponics Daily has seen steady growth and now regularly ranks in the top 100 podcasts in the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand under the 'Home and Garden' category. "We have listeners in most countries and regions, but I really want to complete all the countries in the world and all states of the USA and Canada. So if you know anybody in North or South Dakota, Peru or the Czech Republic, please share it with them."

Some episodes have even influenced on-the-ground decisions. "We did one on the use of carcinogenic fertilizers, which are crazy, but they actually exist. After I explained the full dangers to them and their soil, several farmers told me they've avoided using them. That's probably my biggest win of the year."

© Russell Sharp

Serving, not selling
The podcast reflects the mission of Eutrema Ltd, the company Dr. Sharp founded in 2020 to market inputs he developed, such as their Gold Leaf fertilizer. "The Eutrema ethos is 'serve, don't sell,' so the podcast is perfect for supporting growers with their challenges and any choices they may have in their grow setup," he says. "We sell a lot of our Gold Leaf fertilizer in the USA, so it's great to see that well over 40% of our audience comes from there too."

While it's not a conventional lead-generation tool, the podcast is building recognition. "It's primarily a tool to promote Eutrema as a source of sound knowledge in hydroponics," says Dr. Sharp. "But I hope it will open doors for discussions at conferences and trade shows Eutrema staff take part in from now on."

Advice for would-be podcasters
"Lots of people dream of being Joe Rogan with multi-guest video podcasts, but these are very difficult to create and edit. Even something as simple as getting a guest on involves setting sound levels, booking calls… it all adds up."

"Get yourself a simple microphone and just record a few episodes on your laptop or smartphone. Just get it out there. Done is better than perfect."

Listen to Hydroponics Daily here.

For more information:
Eutrema / Hydroponics Daily
Dr. Russell Sharp, Managing Director
russell@eutrema.co.uk
www.eutrema.co.uk