1. Wicking

By Nancy Manozzi

 I have tried many types of wicking materials but always return to either 3 ply acrylic yarn or nylon stocking. I split the 3 ply into single strands for most of my plants, even the very largest.

Some of the other types of wicking materials that I have read about are nylon strings purchased at fishing/sporting departments, Carpenter’s twine, nylon cords from fabric stores, seine line (material that is used to make fishing nets), Mason's Twine and upholstery twine used for piping. I have tried some of these, but still prefer yarn or nylon stocking.

My soil is very light weight, Fafard #2, now called Professional Growing Mix, to which I add 50% perlite. I sift the perlite to get rid of the fine particles which can make the soil heavier.

 When repotting, I pull the wick up through one of the holes in the bottom of the pot, then put a piece of paper towel over the holes to prevent the soil from running out. I then put about 1” of soil on the towel, place only a small amount of the wick on top of the soil, cover that with a fine layer of soil, then place the plant in. Many people recommend a layer of perlite on the bottom, which I have also used successfully.I used to bring the wick all the way to the top of the pot but found the soil got too saturated with moisture. The roots are the only part of the plant that need to come in contact with the wicking material.

 When I’m not repotting, but just replacing the wick, I use tweezers and insert my pre-moistened wick through one of the holes in the pot bottom, up only about 1” until it makes contact with the root ball. I then water the plant to get the wicking action started. It seems I have to replace the wicks more often in the summer—either because the wicks get clogged with roots or they just stop working. Air movement seems to dry the wicks, also, whether from the vents blowing heat in the winter or air conditioning in the summer.

 The soil of the violets with established root systems doesn’t get as wet as some of the smaller plants with smaller roots. The roots can absorb the moisture and the water doesn’t just saturate the soil.

 My plants definitely get larger on wicks as they are getting constant, consistent care; they don’t dry out as they might if I were watering them by hand.