Alpine strawberries.

[ginnyinWI]

I'm thinking of putting in a patch of these. They are hardy in Wisconsin and are supposed to bear all summer. Question is, are they invasive? Do I need to worry about them getting out of control? I'm planning on putting them in a 2x10 raised bed which will have paths around it.

Another question: should I put them on the sunnier side of the garden or is it okay to put them where the shade moves in about 4 p.m.? How many plants would I need for a 20 sq. ft patch? I'm thinking one per sq. ft. would be right.

[formercia]

1. You only need a few plants.

Within a couple of Years, they will be overgrown and production will fall off. Mark the plants that produce the best and cull all the others except the few runners for new plants. Give them room and be ruthless with thinning.

[FloriTexan]

2. Are these the ones...

with miniature strawberries, about the size of a pencil eraser (or a little larger)? They have runners? If so, I've got them in my back yard and use them as ground cover. Now that they've filled in they do a pretty good job of tamping down the weeds and letting the other wanted plants come through. The birds love them, then the dog and cats get to chase the birds, its a win win win situation.