As cities grow and urbanization continues to take its toll on the environment in major cities across the Midwest, more people are looking for ways to bring sustainability back into the heart of their living spaces and communities. One innovative and attractive design solution gaining traction is the agrihood—a community that incorporates agriculture into its design layout. 

These sustainable, eco-friendly neighborhoods combine residential living with local farming, and encourage fresh food production, environmental stewardship, and a stronger sense of close-knit communities. It’s a popular concept for areas where farming is prevalent and efforts to support local organizations are strong. 

But what exactly is an agrihood, and how can floating garden boxes and floating agrihoods contribute to these places we call home? Here, we’ll explore the concept of agrihoods and three benefits they offer communities across the Midwest. 

What Is an Agrihood?

The term “agrihood” is a mashup of “agriculture” and “neighborhood,” referring to a residential community that incorporates agricultural themes, often in the form of abundant community farms, smaller gardens, and beautiful green spaces that are perfect for families. But unlike traditional neighborhoods, where green space might consist of perfectly manicured parks or expansive yards, agrihoods are designed around food production for both residents and surrounding area needs. 

In most agrihoods, residents often have access to shared gardens or farm plots where they can grow their own food, engage in sustainable farming practices, can easily provide food to local charities, and form stronger connections with their neighbors.

With these benefits, agrihoods offer more than just sustainable housing; they represent a shift towards increased eco-consciousness and a “giving” way of living. The concept combines the benefits of urban living—close proximity to downtown areas, work places, entertainment hubs, and education centers—with the natural advantages of rural farming, creating a beautiful balance between nature and city life. It’s also nice for rural transplants, who want that hometown feel they grew up in, while living in a larger suburban area. 

Floating Garden Boxes for Agrihoods 

In some agrihoods, floating garden boxes take the concept to the next level by utilizing water-based gardening systems. These innovative solutions allow for gardening in areas where soil may not be readily available or suitable for traditional farming. They’re also a big benefit for flood-prone areas and cities on lakes or rivers where water levels can quickly rise. 

This is where high-quality floating garden boxes come in—specifically, Schwig’s garden boxes. These innovations are placed on lakes, ponds, or rivers, offering a unique, water-based alternative to soil-based agriculture. They provide flexibility and mobility, allowing communities to grow fresh food in previously unused spaces, all while offering sustainable food sources for residents and essential community organizations.

3 Big Benefits of Sustainable Communities in Agrihoods

Agrihoods are increasingly seen as a blueprint for sustainable living. These eco-conscious communities offer several key advantages, both for individuals and for the environment as a whole. There are many reasons why agrihoods are a major benefit to cities and suburban areas, but here are three main ways this trending concept goes beyond the basics of sustainability: 

1. Access to Fresh, Local Produce

One of the main benefits of an agrihood is the easy access to fresh, locally grown food. In traditional neighborhoods, residents often rely solely on grocery stores for produce, which can be expensive and not nearly as fresh or seasonal if grown locally. This differs from an agrihood, where in-season produce is grown right outside the door. Community farms and individual garden plots allow residents to harvest fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other crops on-site. 

In many neighborhoods, floating garden boxes can be strategically placed on nearby lakes, rivers, or in drainage areas where rainfall goes. This allows even more space for growing food without taking up valuable land. And in many cases, these floating garden boxes help use up the land that is considered less valuable—drainage areas and ditches where people were less apt to grow anything or enjoy for personal use. 

Schwig’s floating garden boxes offer the flexibility to move these innovations to different areas depending on sunlight and water conditions, so residents can optimize growing conditions for a variety of crops. This access to fresh produce is both convenient and healthier for individuals and families, and they give food organizations more opportunities to expand. 

2. Environmental Benefits

Sustainable communities in agrihoods play a role in being environmentally conscious and help to reduce environmental degradation. By prioritizing local food production, agrihoods reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation and packaging of that produce. The use of floating agrihoods even allows communities near water to engage in agriculture without disrupting natural land or ecosystems.

In addition to food production, agrihoods are designed with sustainable infrastructure in mind. Green building practices, renewable energy sources like solar panels, and rainwater harvesting systems reduce the overall environmental impact of the neighborhood. Landscaping in these communities focuses on native plants and permaculture techniques, which require less water and are more resilient to climate fluctuations. Plus, with a stronger sense of community and more activities to enjoy locally, residents may even be inspired to stay close to home rather than drive or travel outside of their neighborhood as often. 

3. Stronger Sense of Community

There’s nothing quite like growing food together, and it’s a big part of why agrihoods foster a sense of belonging and connection among residents. By working together to grow fruits and vegetables, share resources, and participate in communal activities, neighbors form deeper relationships and create a stronger, more supportive network. Gardening, whether on a shared farm or in floating garden boxes, encourages collaboration and communication. The shared responsibility of caring for the land brings people together with a common purpose. 

In a traditional suburban setting, it’s easy to feel disconnected from neighbors. It’s something some may have even become disheartened by, especially if they grew up in a small town before moving to a major city. In an agrihood, however, people naturally engage with each other on a daily basis. 

The Future of Agrihoods and Floating Garden Boxes

As urbanization continues and the need for food production increases, we expect sustainable communities like agrihoods to only increase in popularity. The integration of floating garden boxes and floating agrihoods solves the challenge of growing food in areas with limited land. They’re eco-friendly, and offer flexibility, mobility, and the opportunity to grow food in new and creative ways.

By embracing agrihoods, we can create neighborhoods that promote sustainability, connection, and environmental stewardship—no matter where these communities are located. 

If you’re interested in bringing the benefits of floating garden boxes to your own community, Schwig’s Garden Boxes offers a range of high-quality products to help you get started. Explore our floating planters today and take the first step toward a better growing experience.