Pod Farms, a company founded in the Upstate, specializes in supplying patented vertical hydroponic systems. The company was founded in 2017 by Powdersville native Toni Sperry. Before starting the company, Sperry worked as an administrative assistant at Clemson University. She decided to explore the world of hydroponics for its ability to produce cleaner food in closer proximity to where people live.
"I feel passionate about finding solutions for food deserts and think we live during a time when all people should have access to healthy food," Sperry said. Herbs, lettuce, peppers, cucumbers, green beans, spinach and more can be grown in vertical hydroponic systems.
Pod Farms' hydroponic system uses stackable bases to create a growing column that can use natural light in a greenhouse or artificial light in an indoor grow space. The system uses a vertical nutrient film technique that recirculates a water-based nutrient solution to the plant's roots.
The water and nutrients are carried through a patented water inlet to the plants growing in grow cups. These patented cups can then be detached from the system's water source without disturbing the growth of the other plants.
"This feature is used to integrate automation into commercial growing or can be used to interchange crop types on the home model," Sperry said. Pod Farms received a patent for the system's water-inlet device in 2021 and a second patent for the system's grow cups in 2024. The hydroponic systems are currently printed using two 3D printers.
Read more at upstatebusinessjournal.com