Strawberry plants as ground cover

[Greeper]

I need to dig out about twenty gazillion strawberry pants from my veg patch, new from last year's runners. Seems such a shame to chuck them and my lazy ass friends can't be persuaded. At the same time I have dug out a wider border and have lots of new ground to fill. What would happen if I just binges the strawbs in for a bit of immediate green ground cover and then pull them out as I get other plants. What terrible unintended consequences am I not anticipating or would this be ok?

This would clearly be the most sensible thing to do. Also gives you time to find grateful neighbours.

Yeah, I think so. But I am repeatedly ambushed by my ignorance/stupidity in the garden so just trying to think ahead?..

Strawberries are not invasive so it insperfect if they are babysat in the dug border. More importantly, soil fertility and content is lost without ground cover or plants to bind the soil, and also if it gets even slightly hot, moisture will be lost and your border will be parched, with weeds taking hold. Plant the strawberries and ensure there is no naked soil. I hate the phrase “no-brainer” but here it applies.
PS Once your bed is established with a good set of bulbs and perennials, you won't need to dig it up again. This damages fungi structures that in science we are only just getting to know more about, and actually encourages weeds and nutrient runoff.

Thank you stella x

I did this, worked brilliantly

Building work meant I lost them all. I'd have some if you were nearby, new borders to fill :+)