Grass Me Up

This episode explains what algae on turf is, how it differs from moss, and why it appears: persistent wetness from compaction or poor drainage, heavy shade, overwatering, excess thatch and scalping. It covers how algae forms slimy black crusts, reproduces by spores and fragments, and why treating only the algae without fixing the causes makes it return.

Practical solutions are discussed, including improving drainage (aeration, hollow tining, Liquid Gypsum), removing thatch, reducing shade, reseeding/scarifying, and cautious chemical options for professionals. The episode also highlights related organisms (liverworts, lichens, oomycetes) and notes algae can be a slippery hazard on sports turf.

Host Dr. Russell Sharp explains what leatherjackets are (crane fly larvae), how they damage turf by severing roots, and why damp, thatchy soils encourage infestations.

The episode covers life cycle timing, signs of damage, cultural and physical controls (drainage, thatch removal, tarpaulin monitoring), biological options like nematodes, soil pH management, and when chemical options may be considered.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/pesticides-organic/lime-sulphur/

Dr. Russell Sharp, founder of Eutrema Limited, explains the company’s grower-first approach and commitment to unique, science-driven fertilisers and biostimulants focused on sustainability and soil biology.

Eutrema offers transparent formulations, direct access to inventors and manufacturers, fast expert support, and innovative products like fully soluble liquid gypsum and concentrated salicylic acid designed to solve real grower problems.

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Dr. Russell Sharp outlines six major threats to fertiliser and pesticide prices in the UK; energy and geopolitical risks, sulphur and phosphate shortages, the UK carbon border adjustment, crop yields and commodity feedbacks, potential sanctions, and regulatory harmonisation.

He explains how these forces could affect arable farming, horticulture, sports turf and hydroponics, and why small innovators may be squeezed while large suppliers gain advantage by 2027.

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In this episode Dr. Russell Sharp explains earthworm biology and why castings surge after wet weather, how they can help or harm lawns and sports turf, and the role of predators and invasive species.

He outlines practical castings control options; wetting agents, saponins, sulphur-based treatments, salicylic acid, and pH adjustment. Russell shares Eutrema product recommendations, timing for treatments, and where to get more information.

For more tips, see the blog on the topic: https://eutrema.co.uk/controlling-worms-on-golf-courses/

Dr. Russell Sharp explains Eutrema’s Periodic Table of Turf Health, walking through macronutrients, secondary nutrients, micronutrients, non‑mineral and non‑essential elements, common deficiency symptoms, and practical fertilizer guidance for lawns and sports turf.

He also outlines how to get the poster and free swag from Eutrema, shares product recommendations and timing notes, and invites listeners to request further advice or samples.

https://eutrema.co.uk/turf-health-periodic-table-poster/

In this episode Dr. Russell Sharp explains what hydroseeding is, how it works, and where it’s most useful. He covers the essential materials (seed, gums like xanthan or guar, fibres, liquid feeds and dyes), the machinery involved, common problems such as clumping and pump blockages, and the importance of proper ground preparation and water quality. Dr. Sharp also discusses cost comparisons with turf, environmental benefits, business opportunities, and how Eutrema can help source better, more reliable materials to improve results.
Dr Russell Sharp, Founder of Eutrema Ltd. October 2026

Dr. Russell Sharp shares practical autumn care for cricket pitches: aeration and slitting (his "tickler"), treating fairy rings with wetting agents, and boosting resilience with silicon, iron and targeted nitrogen applications.

He also covers product selection, tank-mixing tips, worm castings, compaction, and simple sprayer and maintenance advice for volunteer groundsmen and clubs.

https://eutrema.co.uk/lawn-care/

Dr Russell Sharp of Eutrema takes a clear, practical deep dive into chafer grubs: their life cycle, how to identify the damage they cause to lawns and turf, and why they attract wildlife that further damages turf.

The episode explains treatment timing and options — nematodes, wetting agents and lime Sulphur — plus soil considerations.

#lawn

#turf

#sportsturf

Dr. Russell Sharp covers a full episode of turf talk: new Eutrema merch, ongoing lab experiments and root stimulants, and a clear explanation of vegan fertilisers versus organic options.

He reviews highlights from Groundsfest, explains integrated pest management and honey fungus management, and urges autumn preparation ahead of a possible El Niño with silicon fertilisers and liquid gypsum recommendations.

Plus community sponsorship updates, his journey into golf, and practical tips for sports turf managers and gardeners.

https://eutrema.co.uk/lawn-care/

In this episode Dr Russell Sharp, founder of Eutrema Ltd, explains how this summer's unprecedented drought has left millions of ornamental trees moribund, why landowners' inaction could turn those trees into deadly liabilities during winter storms, and how that will trigger a short-lived boom then a brutal correction in the arboriculture industry.

The episode also touches on marketing, AI and why specialist, experience-driven content remains valuable, plus upcoming videos and experiments related to lawn and turf care.

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Dr. Russell Sharp reviews the recent drought and heavy rains, shares practical advice for growers and lawn-care pros, and announces a Black Friday humic acid offer (use code HUMIC15).

He unveils progress on a new food-grade, biodegradable root stimulant designed to replace potassium phosphite, explains plans to patent it, and outlines greenhouse and field testing across diverse crops.

The episode also highlights Eutrema’s tank-mix compatibility chart, sample availability for small growers, trade-show plans, and invites listener questions and collaboration.

In this episode of Grass Me Up the host explains how extreme early heatwaves affect lawns, why plants use so much water (mainly for gas exchange), and which grass species are most vulnerable.

He covers timelines for dormancy and death in different soils, common issues like fairy rings and fertiliser scorch, and why roots may keep growing even when the surface looks dead.

Practical tips include avoiding fertilising baked soil, using a wetting agent before heavy rain, applying seaweed extract after rain to speed recovery, and considering silica treatments to improve future heat resilience.

https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/organic-fertilisers/sea-silica-silicon-fertiliser/

Dr. Russell Sharp breaks down how extreme heat affects lawns, weeds and potted plants, covering drought survival, pests, and which grass types handle high temperatures best.

He shares practical mitigation tips—mulching, pot-in-pot systems, potassium and silicon nutrition, seaweed for recovery—and warns against applying products during peak heat. Simple, actionable advice for keeping turf and gardens resilient in a heatwave.

https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/organic-fertilisers/sea-silica-silicon-fertiliser/

Dr. Russell Sharp explains the history of slug control, why traditional metaldehyde was banned, and how Eutrema developed a chelated ferric phosphate gel called Slugger as a safer alternative.

He reveals a new, simple use: painting a thin, long‑lasting barrier around pots and raised beds to deter slugs and snails. Slugger is pet‑friendly, provides iron nutrition, works well on terracotta, and can protect containerised plants for weeks.

https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/biostimulants/slugger/

Dr. Russell Sharp of Eutrema walks through the top 10 reasons lawns and sports turf turn yellow (chlorosis), explaining the science behind the symptom and showing how common issues — drought, nutrient deficiency, compaction, scalping, blunt mower blades, fungal disease, pests, pH imbalance, pet urine, and competition from trees/weeds/moss — produce yellowing.

The episode gives straightforward, practical fixes: deep infrequent watering, correct nitrogen and iron treatments, liquid gypsum for compaction and urine damage, sharpen blades, pest control, pH adjustment, and targeted fungicide or wetting-agent solutions.

https://eutrema.co.uk/shop-lawn-care/

Dr. Russell Sharp of Eutrema explains how their Organic Pond Flocculant rapidly binds blue‑green algae and blanket weed into removable clumps, clearing ponds safely and protecting fish without toxic heavy metals.

He covers practical tips on dosing and removal, compares this method to copper and dye treatments, notes hot weather increases blooms, and invites listeners to contact Eutrema for technical questions.

In this episode of Grass Me Up Dr. Russell Sharp apologises for copycat suspension gypsum sold as ‘liquid gypsum’ and explains why Eutrema’s solution-based product is different and more effective.

He then gives a clear, practical primer on soil structure — granular (crumb) vs massive, platy, blocky and prismatic forms — how gypsum helps flocculate clay, and why you shouldn’t work or treat wet soil.

Dr. Russell Sharp of Eutrema explains why most gardens and sports pitches contain some clay, how the soil texture triangle works, and why liquid gypsum helps by flocculating clay to improve drainage.

He gives simple DIY tests (jar sediment test and the ribbon/ball test), recommends using soil maps or neighbor knowledge, and advises working with your soil rather than trying to change its texture.

https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/soil-conditioners/liquid-gypsum/

Dr. Russell Sharp of Eutrema Ltd introduces biostimulants = substances that improve plant growth, root development, stress resistance and photosynthesis without acting as fertilizers or pesticides. He explains how they give turf an extra performance edge when nutrition and growing media are already optimal.

Common types include seaweed extracts, amino acids, beneficial microbes, humic/fulvic acids, yucca and chitosan. Practical tips: low-dose “on/off” effects, avoid storing diluted mixes that can ferment, consider compost teas, and watch for changing regulations that may affect product availability.