Food insecurity remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Midwest cities. Access to affordable and nutritious food is increasingly difficult for many communities. In response, Schwig’s created an innovative solution to address these local problems in Des Moines, Iowa and nearby regions—floating garden boxes. 

These sustainable and versatile gardening systems are not only redefining how food is grown in limited spaces, but they also offer a solution for major cities and flood-prone areas to grow food more resourcefully, combat food insecurity, and build resilience in the face of environmental challenges. In areas with contaminated soil, Schwig’s floating garden boxes also offer the benefits of classic raised beds, with the added ability to float when surrounded by water. 

What Are Floating Garden Boxes?

Floating garden boxes are garden containers that float on bodies of water, such as lakes, ponds, and rivers. Made from durable materials, these garden boxes are designed to support plants and be more resilient to environmental factors. Essentially, they create mobile, water-based gardens that can be moved to different locations depending on outdoor conditions like sunlight or water levels.

The mobility of floating garden boxes helps address issues unique to urban and flood-prone areas. These planters can be placed on water sources that would otherwise go unused, offering an effective and sustainable way to produce food in areas with limited land, any soil contamination, or a susceptibility to flooding. It’s a more versatile option to basic non-floating raised beds, and can be used for aesthetic purposes. They are also a useful tool for agrihoods and community gardens. 

Floating Garden Boxes: A Solution to Food Insecurity in Urban Areas

Urban food insecurity is a growing problem, with millions of people living in “food deserts”—areas where access to affordable, fresh, and nutritious food is limited. In many urban neighborhoods, there is little to no access to fresh produce, and the cost of buying healthy food from grocery stores can be prohibitive.

Floating garden boxes can help bridge this gap by transforming underutilized urban spaces—such as water bodies or rooftops—into productive food-growing areas. Many cities have ponds, lakes, and marshy areas which can benefit from floating gardens. This type of gardening is particularly valuable in densely populated urban areas where land is scarce and expensive.

By using floating garden boxes, urban communities are able to grow their own fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs. This not only provides access to healthy food but also helps to reduce the reliance on external food sources, which may not always be affordable or sustainable. Floating gardens allow residents and organizations to grow food together and tackle food insecurity, giving them more control over what they eat and how it’s grown.

Tackling Food Insecurity in Flood-Prone Areas

There are many benefits of incorporating floating garden beds into your community’s food production plan. Floating gardens can withstand varying water levels, allowing communities in flood-prone regions to grow food even during and after heavy rains. In many cases, traditional farming practices are no longer viable due to flooding, soil erosion, and water contamination. This is the case in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, which is why the city and community organizations are turning to Schwig’s for floating garden boxes as an innovative solution. 

In addition, floating gardens can help mitigate some of the challenges posed by flooding by reducing water runoff and helping to stabilize ecosystems. Floating garden boxes can be designed to capture excess water, effectively utilizing the water that would otherwise contribute to flooding. This makes floating gardens a sustainable, multifunctional solution that addresses both food insecurity and environmental challenges.

Schwig’s Garden Boxes: Helping Communities Grow Food More Resourcefully

Floating garden boxes represent an amazing opportunity for communities to become more self-sufficient and sustainable. By making the most of water bodies in urban and flood-prone areas, these floating planters help alleviate food insecurity, reduce environmental impact, and promote resilience in the face of dramatic weather patterns.

If you’re interested in bringing the benefits of floating garden boxes to your community, Schwig’s Garden Boxes offers durable floating garden solutions. Our products are designed to help urban and flood-prone communities grow food more resourcefully, whether you’re looking to start a small urban farm, enhance your backyard garden, or launch a community initiative to fight food insecurity.

Explore Schwig’s Garden Boxes today and take the first step towards creating a more sustainable, resourceful food system for your neighborhood. Together, we can transform the way we grow food and build more resilient, self-sufficient communities.