Year 7 pupils at The Catlins Area School, with some help from teachers, have been beavering away behind the scenes for the community garden on an old tennis court between the school and Owaka Playcentre.
While still in its early stages, the plan has won over the Clutha District Council, which has approved a 10-year lease of the land at a peppercorn rental.
Year 7 teacher Rachel Cummins said the site would be developed into an organic garden used by pupils and others in the community who wanted to grow their own crops.
The idea of community gardens, or allotments, is enjoying a popularity revival, mainly due to the economic recession, and Ms Cummins said the schoolchildren were also relishing the chance to have a hands-on involvement.
School science teacher Jane Young, in a letter to the council, said the garden would reflect the principles of sustainability and good organic gardening practice.
All ages, from preschoolers to the elderly, would be able to get involved, she said.
Ms Cummins said the tennis court had become an eyesore in recent years and a garden would make the area look better, as well as encouraging a hobby that promoted sustainability.
Funding applications were being lodged to find enough money to buy topsoil and compost, and to erect secure fencing around the site.
