Blackberry planting advice please

[Dave & Kate N Wales]

We have just ordered a new Blackberry and are making a wooden planter to put it into. We're thinking of not putting a bottom on the planter, just placing it on the concrete where it is staying then filling it. What we're wondering is this:- There are currently stone chippings on the concrete; should we leave these for drainage or does this invite pests to live there? Or should we put a layer of larger stones in the bottom for drainage? We're thinking of making the planter about half a metre deep.
Thanks in advance
Dave and Kate

[BUFFS]

i would raise the container off the ground as if you dont it will encourage woodlice/slugs etc,and the drainage is very important,especially for your fruit.inside the container,put in your gravel.2" and then soak a load of old newspapers or cardboard and lay 3/4 inches of this on the gravel,this will hold water for your plants without waterlogging them..enjoy your harvest...

[sarraceniac]

I wouldn't put wet cardboard or newspaper down. That is something woodlice do like. I reckon you are fine just leaving it on the stone chippings. I've had some berries, including blackberries, both wild and cultivated, on my gravel for years.

[BUFFS]

the newspapr is going to be covered by 2ft plus of good topsoil/john innes No3 and wil be firmed down and watered in so i have found no woodlice etc around my container,would be no good using multipurpose compost,that would not work,i agree there,anyway best of luck with whatever you decide.