In the world of gardening and sustainable living, innovation often comes in the form of repurposing what we already have. One such creative and eco-friendly idea is using pineapple shells as planters. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also provides a natural and nutrient-rich environment for seeds to flourish. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the steps of using pineapple shells and compost to plant seeds, creating a harmonious cycle of growth and sustainability.

Step 1 – Cut Pinapple Into Shell
Start by choosing a ripe pineapple and carefully cutting it open with the intention to make the shell your planting pot. This essential tool will cleanly gut the pineapple leaving a clean shell to use for planting the seeds. Once you’ve enjoyed the delicious fruit inside, save the shell. The pineapple shell will serve as the container for your seeds, offering a unique and biodegradable alternative to traditional pots.

Shop The Tools
SteP 2 – Make Drainage Holes
To prevent water from pooling and causing root rot, it’s essential to create drainage holes in the bottom of the pineapple shell. When using the tool, ensure you go down far enough to create an opening on the bottom. You will know once the pineapple juice starts to leak through.
If you do not have the tool, use a sharp object like a nail or small drill to make several holes in the base of the shell. These holes will allow excess water to escape, maintaining optimal growing conditions for your seeds.
Step 3 – Add Compost
Compost serves as the growing medium for your seeds, providing essential nutrients and moisture retention. For seed planting using compost, begin collecting kitchen scraps. Compost we collect on a daily basis are egg shells, fruit peels (oranges, bananas, apples etc), bouquet scraps and other biodegradable items.
Mix these kitchen scraps with seed starting mix and a little fertile soil. Fill the pineapple shell with a layer of compost, leaving enough space at the top for planting the seeds. You can either use store-bought compost or create your own by recycling organic waste from your kitchen and garden.

My compost generally looks like this after its been mixed and set. It doesn’t smell great but the plants sure love it!

Step 4 – Plant Seeds
Now comes the exciting part – planting your seeds! Choose seeds of your favorite herbs, vegetables, or flowers, ensuring they are suitable for the growing conditions in your area. I have done Cilantro, as well as red and yellow peppers. To make this project of planting seeds using compost even more earth friendly, the next time you eat red, yellow, or green pepper, save the seeds inside! They’re so easy to grow!
Make small indentations in the compost within the pineapple shell and place a few seeds in each indentation. Cover the seeds lightly with a thin layer of compost and gently press down to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.


Step 5 – Watering & Maintenance
After planting the seeds, water the pineapple shell gently until the compost is moist but not waterlogged. Place the pineapple shell in a sunny location where it can receive adequate sunlight for optimal growth. Remember to water the seeds regularly, keeping the compost consistently moist but not soggy.
Step 6 – Monitoring Growth
As your seeds germinate and grow, monitor their progress closely. Keep an eye out for any signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate action if necessary. As the plants outgrow the pineapple shell, you can transplant them into larger containers or directly into your garden, allowing them to continue thriving and contributing to the natural ecosystem!


Planting seeds in pineapple shells is not only a fun and creative project but also a sustainable way to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly gardening practices. By harnessing the natural properties of pineapple shells and compost, you can create a nurturing environment for seeds to grow into healthy and vibrant plants. So, the next time you enjoy a delicious pineapple, don’t discard the shell – repurpose it into a miniature garden and watch your seeds flourish!
I hope you enjoy How To Plant Seeds Using Only Compost and give it a try! Subscribe to my blog to get all new post updates sent to you inbox as well as fun, free printables, secret giveaways and more!
Thanks for reading!

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