As seen on Fox Chicago news!

Chicago – It’s hot outside for people, pets, and for plants.

The key is taking care of your yard and garden is getting the watering right. Medina Lawncare landscape consultant Xochitl Medina said stick to your regular routine, with a few tweaks:

• For grass, water the same way you do in cooler temperatures; the optimum amount is one-inch per week.
• Use a sprinkler that oscillates for about 15 minutes on each section of the lawn.
• Do not frown if it turns brown. Around here, it’s normal for it to go dormant.
• One inch a week, she says, and the grass will bounce back when the weather cools down.
• And one more thing: Water grass early in the morning, before 9 o’clock.
• Shrubs need two inches of water per week, about 20 minutes per section.
• Normally you’d water the top to simulate rain.
• In this heat, get water directly on the roots so it won’t evaporate.
• If the shrubs wilt, you’re either underwatering or overwatering.
• Flowers, in the ground or in pots , may need more frequent watering.
• And put your finger in the soil; you should always feel some moisture.