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, and he also spent several years at Hanbury Hall Gardens. 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, and also produced year-round vegetables, microgreens, fruit and herbs for chefs at a Michelin-starred 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 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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Why You Should Chop and Drop – the Quickest Way to Mulch Beds and Feed Your SoilSpeed up the job of clearing flower beds at the end of the season – plus learn how to embrace chop and drop gardening year-round
By Drew Swainston Published
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This Clever Raised Bed Cover Helps You Grow for Longer – Frost Doesn't Have to Mean the End of Your HarvestWhy a simple cover makes a big difference when growing in raised beds
By Drew Swainston Published
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Don't Put Your Garden to Bed for Winter Until You've Done These 6 Things, Say Gardening ProsIt’s time to start getting the garden ready for winter – here are some jobs not to forget
By Drew Swainston Published
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6 Trees to Prune in October to Help Prevent Winter Storm DamageLimbs over buildings, structures, driveways, or walkways may be in need of action
By Drew Swainston Published
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Can You Plant Grass Seed in October? Here's How to Fix Bare Spots Before WinterThere are still opportunities to sow, but check the temperatures before to avoid wasting your time
By Drew Swainston Published
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7 Easy Plants to Propagate in October – Get More Plants for Your Home and Garden Without Spending a DimeFrom tender houseplants to hardy shrubs – what will you choose this month?
By Drew Swainston Published
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When Frost Hits, These Are the Plants to Protect First – And The Most Effective Ways to Do ItMake sure to move these tender plants indoors a few weeks before a potential frost
By Drew Swainston Published
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Your Climbers Are at Risk From Strong Winds – This Quick Job Can Help Prevent SnappingPlants can get ripped from their supports, or it can all come crashing down to the ground
By Drew Swainston Published
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Pro Gardeners Recommend This Cordless Blower for Small Yards – It’s 50% Off With the Battery and Charger IncludedI found this in the Amazon sale – it will make your fall tidy-up feel less like a chore
By Drew Swainston Published
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Got Fruit Trees in Pots? This Is the Temperature That Signals It’s Time to Move Them IndoorsKeep an eye on the thermometer and move your tender fruit trees ahead of danger
By Drew Swainston Published
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This Compact Tool Is Essential for Cleaning up Small Flower Beds Fast – and It's Less Than $10Don’t overlook the potential of a hand rake – here’s why I rate it so highly
By Drew Swainston Published
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Breathe New Life Into Older Perennials in October – And Boost Your Blooms by Dividing These PlantsDividing clumps is a rewarding way to revitalize displays without spending lots of money
By Drew Swainston Published
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Prune These 7 Plants in October and They Will Come Back Better and Stronger Next YearIt is time for a gentle spruce-up rather than a major prune
By Drew Swainston Published
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The Key to Fertilizing a Lawn in Fall Isn't Actually What Feed You Use – It's Even Simpler Than ThatSavvy gardeners can even make nature do the work for them
By Drew Swainston Published
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16 Stylish and Practical Pruning Shear Holsters to Keep Tools Safe and Close at HandFrom individual sheaths to full gardening belts for carrying multiple tools
By Drew Swainston Published
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Not Sure Which Pruning Saw You Need? Here’s How to Choose the Right One for Your YardCompact and general-purpose, or more cutting power? We cut through the noise
By Drew Swainston Published
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The Right Loppers Make Light Work of Thick Branches – Here’s How to Choose The Right PairOur picks for power, comfort, and reach
By Drew Swainston Published
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Think Twice Before Planting These Invasive Plants This Fall – They’re Easy to Find, but Hard to Get Rid OfYou may see these on sale this fall, but steer clear – look for our recommended alternatives instead
By Drew Swainston Published
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These Plants Always Flourish in Terracotta Pots – 5 That Love Life in Clay While Others WiltTerracotta pots suit a certain type of plant
By Drew Swainston Published
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7 Cuttings to Take in September – Before the Window ClosesGet your propagation done before early October, and enjoy lots of new plants for free
By Drew Swainston Published
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Not All Hedge Shears Are the Same – Here’s How to Choose the Right Pair for Your YardThe best hedge shears can transform your garden. We deep-dive into different types to find the best for you
By Drew Swainston Last updated
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This Lawn Care Tool Makes Aerating Quicker and Easier – For Healthy Grass Without the ToilSave time and effort with a rolling lawn aerator
By Drew Swainston Published
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The Ultimate Guide to Pruning Shears – Find the Perfect Pair for Your Garden and BudgetIncluding our overall pick of the best pruners on the market
By Drew Swainston Last updated
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6 Lawn Care Tasks You Can Do Now To Repair Summer Damage Before WinterShow your lawn some love this month – it deserves it
By Drew Swainston Published
