Drew Swainston
Drew started working as a journalist back in 2008 after gaining his National Council for the Training of Journalists qualifications. He wrote news and features for online news agencies and content providers, as well as spending time as Assistant Editor for trade newspapers and magazines. Gardening piqued his interest and he studied for a Level 3 Horticulture qualification. This opened up the chance to work as a professional gardener for several years. His journey saw him have the fantastic opportunity to work at the world famous arts and crafts garden Hidcote Manor Garden in the UK, and he also spent several years at Hanbury Hall gardens in the West Midlands, UK. During his gardening career he also specialized as a Kitchen Gardener. He previously grew edibles for the restaurants, deli and cookery school at Soho Farmhouse in the UK, and also produced year-round vegetables, microgreens, fruit and herbs for chefs at a prestigious restaurant.
He is passionate about walled gardens and always enjoyed propagating, growing and harvesting edibles, and producing cut flowers throughout the year. Throughout his time working outdoors he continued to write and is a member of the Garden Media Guild. He has run a blog called Perennial Nerd for many years, talking about his life working in and managing walled gardens, fantastic gardens he has visited, his allotment, and projects at home. His passion for gardening and a love for inspiring others to grow led him to write how-to growing guides and professional tips for clients and websites in the horticultural sector, and he's now bringing that same expertise and passion to Homes & Gardens.
Latest articles by Drew Swainston
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How to plant fava beans – 3 ways to maximize your chances of a successful crop
Discover how and when to plant fava beans both indoors and outdoors
By Drew Swainston • Published
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How to grow elephant garlic – expert tips for these delicious monster bulbs
Large in size, but mild in flavor, elephant garlic can make a real statement
By Drew Swainston • Published
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Early, mid or late season? An expert guide to the different types of potatoes
Early or late season, floury or waxy, red or white-skinned? Recognize the differences between potato varieties to pick the best for your needs
By Drew Swainston • Published
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How to grow oyster mushrooms at home – 4 easy methods for indoors and out
One of the most popular mushrooms globally, it is a crop that is very easy for beginners to grow at home
By Drew Swainston • Published
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How and when to prune a laurel hedge to stop it dominating your yard
Our expert laurel pruning tips will prevent it spreading quickly and taking over your precious outdoor space
By Drew Swainston • Published
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How to grow garlic in pots – expert tips for a good crop
With our advice, anyone can appreciate the joys of growing garlic in containers – even if you don't have a large backyard
By Drew Swainston • Published
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Hardneck or softneck garlic – which one should you grow in your vegetable garden?
The experts explain the differences so you can get your best crop yet
By Drew Swainston • Published
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Chitting potatoes – how and why to complete this simple task
Unlock the maximum potential of your crop through this simple process
By Drew Swainston • Published
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Growing onions in containers – the easy way to enjoy homegrown crops in a small space
It's fun, affordable and delivers great results
By Drew Swainston • Published