Cory Mahony read an article about hydroponic farming that piqued his interest and then got him hooked. He started the controlled scientific growing practice at home. He’s now the owner of Urban Fields Agriculture, a hydroponic vertical indoor farm in Patchogue.
Mahony’s home setup allowed 15 plants to be grown at once. He’s upgraded a bit to be able to hold over 1,800 plans. He opened the business last September and moved into his Patchogue space a few months later. The Sachem alumnus was always interested in technology and wanted to combine that interest with the environment.
Right now, Mahony is growing basil, arugula, chives and mint. He’s also working on growing an edible flower called nasturtium. The plants each get their own treatments, depending on what they need, and nothing more. Mahony judges for iron, calcium, magnesium and other elements to give the plants exactly what they need to grow healthy. He said the controlled environment produces more flavorful and fresh produce. His farm does not use pesticides, and the plants have a similar lifetime to traditionally grown plants and herbs.