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washing machine tub (...)
the myriad of perforations allow soil moisture in
and prevent large roots escapingThis sounds interesting, but will it not lead to one big entangled root-ball inside the washing machine tub?
salad-
Eventually I presume,
but,
if the roots are left to grow unrestricted the Fig tree will put most of its effort
into expanding the root system and comparatively little into fruit production.If you've seen wild/untended fig tress around the Mediterranean,
you'll have seen Figs apparently growing on sheer rock faces with impressive root systems, like giant Bonsai, reaching into clefts in the rocks.
The average UK garden has much more and better soil and year round rain,
while the Fig has developped to survive in poor soils with extended arid periods.A Fig planted in the UK is in survival mode despite being in a broadly benign to supportive
environment.
Old school gardeners used to use paving slabs dug into the ground to create a root-restricting 'box'. I'm guessing there are still some of these in Stately Homes or National Trust properties.
mespilus
Find your self a washing machine tub.
They are (/were?), stainless steel so last 'forever'
the myriad of perforations allow soil moisture in
and prevent large roots escaping.
Plant the fig with a gravel filled 2 or 3l soft drink bottle
with holes punched through the PET, off to one side of the drum,
with just the spout showing. This allows you to water
down into the roots in times of low rainfall.