The weather is getting warmer. It's a good time to be in the garden. Temperatures will be over 30°C in some parts of the UK.

Before the heat comes, gardeners must do one important job. This helps gardens survive the summer sunshine. David Denyer, a garden expert, says rain followed by heat can hurt plants.

He says people think rain helps gardens in hot weather, but it can actually hurt them if it gets hot suddenly.

Plants grow fast after rain because they get more water.

Help your garden beat the heat.

New plant growth is weak and can get hurt by strong sun and heat.

The soil can dry out fast after rain, especially in pots and sunny areas.

When it gets very hot, plants can struggle even if they looked fine before.

To help your garden survive, add something important to the soil.

David says mulching the soil when it's still damp helps keep it moist.

Mulching helps trap water in the soil before it gets dry. If you wait, it might be too late to help your plants.

This is the best way to help your garden cope with heat.

Pots and hanging baskets need extra care because they dry out fast.

New flowers and young plants can struggle in the heat.

Some plants, like hydrangeas and ferns, are very sensitive to heat and need extra care.

If possible, move sensitive plants to a cooler spot to protect them from the heat.