What tree to plant in an old bin

[IamwhoIsayIam]

My plastic kitchen bin has broken and was about to head to the tip - but then I thought what could I plant in a 70cm tall 40litre container? It's black and looks inoffensive. I'd quite like a crab apple. Any suggestions?

I don’t think a tree would ever survive in a kitchen bin,I’m afraid. Usually, a tree’s roots will have a similar spread to the branches above ground, so quite extensive. Maybe a small shrub might fit the bill?

It wouldn't have any stability to withstand breezes.

What about repurposing it as a wormery?
Or for growing trailing plants down it. Like a standing up hanging basket.

I agree about the instability thing, been there done that. How about strawberries hanging down?

A tall slim conifer.

But, especially if you can puncture the sides, as pp suggest would be good for strawbs.

Or use it to grow potatoes?

The plastic is unlikely to be stable in the heat, and it will keep falling over!

It's worth investing in a decent pot for a permanent plant like a tree. I have a Mirabelle plum in a pot and it's perfect.

I have done exactly this with a Rowan tree. It's in a sheltered position and mostly in shade which keeps the tree happy and preserves the plastic of the bin. It's mulched with slate chippings to keep the moisture in. There are several bricks in the bottom of the pot to help with stability.

The most obvious choice for a container tree is a fruit tree on dwarfing rooting stock (I have those too including one in a pot quite happily). Olives and Acers will also grow in a pot. The crab apple called Laura is a lovely small tree. Mine is in the ground but a large bin sized pot would be fine.

I’ve put a blackberry Bush in a bin and is excellent. Contains the bramble spread!