In your article about making rain barrels, you state the water is not suitable for humans but ok to water your pets. Huh? In my house, if something is not good for the humans, it's not good for the pets either.
When watering houseplants, is it better to water from the top or bottom?
Generally from the top is fine. However, certain plants like African violets object to having wet leaves, so for those plants, it is best to water from the bottom. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/watering-your-houseplants-properly.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/bottom-watering-plants.htm
Some say to water when dry in this article but several said water infrequently. This was in the hard to kill houseplants. I'm pretty good at killing that is supposed to be green. Oh, and how far down does the soil need to be dried out. Someone once said to stick my finger in the soil and if it was dry to the 2nd joint or somethings, to water it. Please explain watering to someone that says DUH alot.
Unfortunately, you don't mention which type of houseplant this is. I am unable to offer much information on its care.
With desert plants, or any species that requires water "infrequently" it will be safe to allow the soil to dry out, completely. Just know that, once it does, it will start to dye off fairly quickly.
Generally, I advise to feel as far down into the container as you can. It should be barely wet at your fingertip. If it is dry, then you should water. If it is barely wet, then it is fine for another day or so.
Be sure to allow all extra water out of the container after watering, as well.
You might consider a moisture meter to remove all doubt.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm
I use rain water from the roof to water my vegetable garden. The roof has recently been treated with fungicide to kill the moss and lichen. Is it safe to continue watering my garden with water from the roof?
This is a difficult one. This really depends on the types of fungicides used.
The time it takes for fungicides to break down can vary depending on the specific fungicide and environmental conditions. In general, most fungicides break down within a few weeks to a few months. However, some fungicides can persist in the environment for longer periods of time. It is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and consult with local regulations for specific information on the breakdown time of a particular fungicide.
I would use caution and test on a small portion of your garden or plants, first, before using it in a widespread manner.
Here is more information on types of fungicides:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
I have three coco liner hay rack window boxes that are approximately 40" long x 14" wide x 14" deep across the front of my house. They face the southern sun and get late afternoon shade. I installed drip irrigation this year. Still learning how much water to apply. I ran it for one hour every morning because there were some plants that needed a little more water in the sun. I haven't installed drip irrigation to my hanging coco fiber 17" baskets yet. I have four of those facing south as well. How much water for them remains? I realize that in the winter it's much less water. However, we are in a very hot and humid zone 8a. Thank you, Cindy
Sure! We have a few articles that will guide you on many aspects of drip irrigation and hanging basket care:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/watering-hanging-baskets.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/watering/subsurface-drip-irrigation.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/watering/drip-irrigation-problems.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/watering/drip-irrigation-duration.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/watering/subsurface-drip-irrigation.htm