You can, but you still need to mulch it as if it was in the ground. Since the pot will be exposed to freezing temperatures, it should be wrapped to protect the roots from freezing.
Nematodes are usually not spread through cuttings rooted in water, they are only spread through infected soil (dirty shoes, garden tools, gloves, pots, etc). If the nematodes are attacking the...
It is unlikely. Changing the clock won't make a villager move back in. You might, however, meet them in Main Street, or they might have moved to a friend's town....