Gorgie City Farm

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Gorgie Garden Services, a social enterprise based at Gorgie City Farm, can quote for hard and soft landscaping contracts in your garden, also regular maintenance contracts.
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'Gorgie Three' Composter

An alternative design for a small, fast means of composting.

Using a cut off trouser leg from strong trousers such as jeans, you can make a bag that is both breathable and can be turned upside down on a daily basis. This means the green and brown waste from your garden wil compost very quickly.

The size also makes it more manageable. The bigger the person — the bigger the trousers!

Making

1. Using an old pair of jeans with no holes cut off one leg well above the crotch. Cut around the zip and avoid too many rivets. Removing pockets will also make things easier.
2. Stitch in two cord loops. One at the top on one side and the other at the bottom on the other side of the leg — diagonally opposite corners. Make the stitching strong as each of these loops will need to support the weight of the wet compost.
3. Stitch the top of the leg closed. Best to leave the new hem you have made on the outside of the bag.
4. Check over your stitching and test the hem and loops for strength.
5. Admire your work

Using

1. Attach the screw in hook at about chest height to a sturdy post or shed. Somewhere it will get the sun.
2. Start filling your new compost bag with a good mix of green and brown waste. Not too wet, not too dry.
3. Fold over the bottom cuff and secure with the bulldog clip.
4. Hang your new compost bag on the hook.
5. Every other day or so top up the bag with your fresh waste. Each time, turn the bag upside down and hang back up from the opposite loop.
6. Only ever fill the bag two thirds full, but keep turning every other day.
7. Your compost will be ready in about six weeks after you last filled it — when it has gone a bit crumbly.

Best of luck and let us know how you get on. Original idea by Eoin.