I think that is a wonderful idea. It will really benefit the kids to learn about gardening.

I have never created a school garden so I cannot give you an exact idea of what you should do. You do need water access and sun for sure. Maybe you should consult with other schools or community gardens in the area to get some ideas about what works.

You are going to probably want someone who has some experience gardening in the area to advise you on the actual planting schedule. Maybe one of the teachers, students, or school employees? If you cannot find anyone I am sure someone from the community will help. Someone from the county extension office maybe?

Plant selection is critical. Here's a short list of some playground plants I normally recommend:
1. Agave - especially the big blue one Agave americana since you're dealing with older kids.
2. Parkinsonia aculeata - Jerusalem Thorn - beautiful thorny tree that needs little water.
3. Carissa macrocarpa - Natal Plum - perfect for hedges: thorns, poisonous leaves, edible fruit if you can get to it.
4. Crown of Thorns in profusion for color.
5. Robellenii palms (more thorns!)
6. And several dozen one gallon cans of Ficus repens, the creeping fig. Plant these in the corners of the building and in a year or two it will be covered to where no one can get in or out.

I'm very confused about those 'playground plants'! Is that some kind of joke?

FWIW, you might consider a butterfly/wildlife garden. & I would contact the county extension agency, along w/ good advice & reference materials, they might be able to put you in touch w/ someone going for a master gardener certification, which involves acquiring volunteer hours.

You might consider a mixed edible & butterfly garden as well - w/ bananas & other easy edible perennials.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pinellas County Extension

I can assure you, after several years on this forum, that is fawnridge's sense of humor. A child lover he is not and a smart a** he is. He doesn't have to worry about turning into a grouchy old man because he already is one. A pretty harmless one though.

I saw a butterfly garden that was planted at Deland Middle School in honor of a student that passed away. It was quite pretty. I wasn't involved in its planting though. I think you would have to worry about what happens with the garden during the summer breaks and a fence is essential because teenagers can be quite destructive. I think contacting the extension is a fantastic idea.

I'm assuming there's no 4-H or Future Farmers club on campus. You might have to start your own club to get kids who are interested in growing things. They would keep the produce and maybe make a meal for the club.
I'd go for the butterfly or wildlife garden. It's not as much work and can survive neglect.
Good luck.

Coffeemom: Good points on the butterfly/wildlife garden.

I've several years veggie garden experience in the area here, which is why I was approached to do this.

We certainly have a need for a 4-H club, but not one in existence on campus. We are pretty urban, and I've taught students in the past that were amazed when I brought in millet, sugar cane or pole beans, as they thought food 'just came from the store.' Then there was the year I brought in a small blooming citrus- more to get the room smelling right, but some had no idea that oranges came off a tree...this is high school level.

The underlying concept is to promote multiculturalism through vegetable gardening by planting, sharing and explaining regional foods. It sounds neat; not without its challenges though. I am told there may be a grant money for such a project. I learn more after a meeting in a couple weeks.

I think what I was trying to say is that you are going to need a group of core kids. Depending on the teachers and student body to help out is wishful thinking. I guess instead of detentions they could make the kids pull weeds but you'd have to supervise so they don't pull the plants by mistake.
If you go with the wild life garden, make sure you have it certified by NWF and Florida friendly Yards. That always looks good.

There's an outfit in California that does veggie gardening in schools called The Edible Schoolyard; you could probably check out their website for ideas. Good luck with it - it sounds like it might be fun and educational for the kids!

Do you have a free compost program in your county? Some counties do, and will deliver the compost to homes for a small fee, so if Pinellas has one, I'd think it would be delivered free of charge to the schools. We have one in Sarasota Co. that is delivered to the parks, and residents pick it up from there. Check with your county extension service, as they may run the program.

As for seeds, most of the major seed companies have programs to donate to school programs. I'd start with Park Seed, or Ball Seed (they have growing facilities in FL, or used to). Also, check with Home Depot and Wal-Mart, and they will probably donate seeds. If you're only going to do a small area, you should be able to get enough seeds there.

Then there is always the seed exchange right here. When Charley wiped out my gardens, generous gardeners here sent me hundreds of seeds.

Check with the extension service first, because they probably have more ideas for you.

Wonderful leads, thank you! A couple years ago I checked, and our county ag center did not have free compost, but I'll check again, that would solve some immediate soil concerns...

Orlando has compost from collected yard waste (and more) ....available for free at the Landfill for residents......

Maybe Pinellas calls it Mulch ?

Here is a link that might be useful: Free Pinellas County MULCH