Midwest storms and rain runoff in recent years has intensified, and communities across the Midwest are increasingly seeking innovative ways to become more resilient, especially in the face of rising flood risks and changing agricultural opportunities. 

In particular, agrihoods—neighborhoods that integrate sustainable farming practices with modern residential living—are gaining popularity as a solution for communities, including their sustainability and as a local food growing option. One company, Schwig’s, is playing a pivotal role in advancing this movement with its floating garden boxes, which are transforming the way residents in Iowa and beyond grow food, even in flood-prone areas and on water features like ponds and lakes.

The Rise of Agrihoods in the Midwest

Agrihoods are becoming more than just a trend—they represent a shift toward local, sustainable food systems. These neighborhoods combine residential areas with agricultural elements, allowing residents to grow their own food while fostering a greater connection to nature. In the Midwest, where agriculture is a cornerstone of the economy and an aesthetic choice given the farmhouse design movement, the potential for integrating farming with urban living is immense. However, challenges such as fluctuating weather patterns, flooding, and poor soil quality have made it difficult to establish reliable food production systems within all agrihoods.

This is where Schwig’s floating garden boxes come in. Here at Schwig’s, we’re a leading company known for Connect-A-Dock and we’re now creating innovative floating garden boxes that help communities and agrihoods overcome these challenges. These garden boxes are designed to float on water features, utilize runoff areas, and thrive even in flood-prone locations. By integrating with the Connect-A-Dock system, Schwig’s floating garden boxes offer flexibility, stability, and an eco-friendly solution to urban farming.

How Schwig’s Floating Garden Boxes Work

Our main idea behind Schwig’s floating garden boxes is both practical and design-oriented. These boxes are essentially self-contained planters that float on water, providing a stable platform for growing food while using minimal land space. The floating boxes can be placed on ponds, lakes, or even temporary water features created by stormwater runoff—areas that would otherwise be underutilized or left completely vacant.  

Each floating garden box is equipped with a durable and lightweight frame that connects seamlessly to the Connect-A-Dock system. This modular docking system allows the boxes to be linked together, creating a stable and customizable floating garden setup that can expand to suit the needs of any agrihood. The Connect-A-Dock system is designed for ease of installation and these floating planters can withstand the fluctuating water levels and weather conditions common in the Midwest.

Building Resilience in Flood-Prone Areas

Flooding is a significant concern for many communities in the Midwest, especially as the region faces more extreme weather events. Traditional gardening and farming practices can be severely impacted by flooding, which can wash away crops and disrupt food production. Schwig’s floating garden boxes offer an innovative solution for these challenges.

By floating on water, these garden boxes remain secure and unaffected by the rising or falling of water levels. This makes them ideal for use in flood-prone areas where traditional gardening might not be feasible. The ability to grow food in these otherwise unusable areas represents a major benefit when it comes to flood resilience, allowing communities to produce fresh, local food even during extreme weather events.

Supporting Sustainable Agriculture and Local Food Systems

Schwig’s floating garden boxes are more than just a tool for flood resilience—they’re also a key component of sustainable agriculture within agrihoods. By using these innovative garden boxes, residents can grow fresh produce such as vegetables, herbs, and even small fruit crops without relying on traditional soil-based gardening methods. This reduces the strain on local soil resources and minimizes water usage, as the floating boxes can be watered more efficiently than traditional in-ground gardens. 

Plus, residents can work together to tend their floating gardens, share tips, and trade produce, creating a collaborative and food-secure environment. Schwig’s design not only contributes to the individual health and well-being of agrihood residents but also strengthens the resilience of the broader community by promoting local food systems and sustainability.

Reach out to Schwig’s Today! 

These floating garden boxes allow individuals and entire communities to grow fresh, local food on water features, runoff areas, and even flood-prone locations, fostering both resilience and sustainability. As agrihoods continue to grow in popularity, Schwig’s floating garden boxes represent a vital tool in building the resilient, food-secure communities of the future. Interested in bringing Schwig’s floating garden boxes to your community? Contact us today!