Wick waterer keeps plants hydrated

Q: I saw a clever slow-watering device called “The Plant Nanny” at a shop in South Carolina. Could I make something like it myself?

STEVE VOGEL

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WALTER REEVES/Special

This automatic houseplant waterer is made up of a cup and a length of braided nylon.

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Decatur

A: The Plant Nanny is a hollow ceramic spike you insert into houseplant soil. When a water-filled wine bottle, cola bottle or decorative glass globe is inverted into the stake, water is released slowly into the soil. They are effective, but some people may not care for the look of a bottle sticking out of the middle of their houseplants. You can accomplish the same slow watering by making a wick waterer. Put a plastic drinking cup next to a plant. Measure a length of braided quarter-inch diameter nylon cord that will reach from the bottom of the cup to the soil surface in the center of the pot. Add three inches and cut the cord to this length. Use a kitchen knife to press the end of the cord three inches into the center of the soil of the potted plant. Drape the rest of the cord over the pot lip and into the plastic cup. Fill the cup with water and pour a bit of water around the cord inserted into the soil. The nylon wick will draw water from the cup into the soil automatically as the soil dries out. All you have to do is keep the cup full of water.

Q: Each year, a fast-growing tree sprouts up next to the paved walkway in my backyard and each year I cut it down. I would love to transplant it. Since I’ve continuously cut the tree down to almost nothing every year, will it still grow to its normal height when I move it?

DANYEL BEAVERS

By e-mail

A: Yes, even though you’ve cut the tree to nothing each year, it will grow to its full size if left alone. This reminds me of German biologist August Weismann, who removed the tails of 20 generations of mice to show that a shortened tail was never inherited. Chopping the tree doesn’t change its genetic behavior. Make sure you identify your tree before you move it. The words “fast-growing” describe several trees that would not be worth the effort of transplanting.

Q: I have a native persimmon tree at my home and my golden retrievers love the fruit. I noticed recently there wasn’t any fruit on it this year. I had a gnarly companion tree cut down this spring and was wondering if that could have affected the persimmon bearing fruit.

CLYDE TANT

Grayson

A: Removing one tree could certainly have affected the fruiting of another persimmon nearby. Persimmons have male (pollenizing) and female (bearing) trees. You might have removed the pollinator tree. On the other hand, drought can affect persimmon fruiting too. I don’t know where you could buy another male-flowering tree. Your best bet might be to attract pollinating insects who could bring pollen from persimmons in woods nearby. Plant lots of pollinator-friendly abelia, holly and crimson clover near your tree.

Q: I planted bulbs in September and they are coming up already — way too early! Should I be concerned about this?

ELAINE PERRY

Jasper

A: The bulbs won’t be hurt at all; they will flower normally in spring. Early emergence does use resources the bulb ought to have in spring, so make a note to plant bulbs in late October in the future.