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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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
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7 Native Perennials to Plant in September – to Feed Hummingbirds During Their MigrationThese picks provide valuable nectar for the spring and fall migration season
By Drew Swainston Published
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The Simple Product Gardeners Use to Protect Plants From Frost – Here’s How to Choose the Right OneHow to choose a frost cloth that fits your needs and climate perfectly
By Drew Swainston Published
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Pick These Vegetables for Beautiful Seasonal Centerpieces – 7 Ornamental Crops to Harvest in SeptemberThese stunning crops look good and taste great
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to Care for Pruning Tools So They Stay Sharp and Last for YearsOur ultimate guide to cleaning, sharpening, and preventing garden tools from rusting
By Drew Swainston Last updated
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Our Ultimate Guide to the Best Pruning Tools: Everything You Need for Cutting, Trimming, and ShapingThe tools you need for different pruning jobs
By Drew Swainston Published
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Why Aerating Your Lawn in September Makes a Difference – Help Yours Recover from Summer StressIf you have cool-season turf grass, aerating is highly beneficial in early fall
By Drew Swainston Published
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Your Pumpkins Need This to Ripen Fully on the Vine Before the Season EndsThese 6 tasks need to be done in early fall to guarantee the best harvest
By Drew Swainston Published
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I’ve Had My Felco F2 Pruners Since My First Day as a Professional Gardener, and I Still Use Them Over a Decade Later – Here’s Why They Remain My Go-to ToolThe strong, dependable pruners are a mainstay in my gardening kit
By Drew Swainston Published
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Add These Plants to Containers in September for a Garden Full of Winter Color and InterestOur picks of 7 plants to put into pots in early fall
By Drew Swainston Published
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Pruning: The Complete Guide to When, How, and What to PruneAll you need to know to keep your garden in top shape
By Drew Swainston Published
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Do This 5-Minute Task in September to Guarantee Your Tomatoes Ripen Before the End of the SeasonSeptember is a month for topping tomato plants – you’ve got to be cruel to be kind
By Drew Swainston Published
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This Small Tool Gets Rid of Weeds Without Digging up Your Garden – and It’s Perfect for DandelionsIt’s time to introduce you to a dandelion weeder
By Drew Swainston Published
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Plant These 7 Hardy Vegetables in September for Rich Winter Pickings – They'll Quickly Fill Gaps in Your GardenLots of leafy greens thrive in the cooler post-summer weather
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to Use Bat Guano as Fertilizer – 2 Ways to Use this Organic Feed Safely and Give Plants a BoostStick to commercially-produced bat guano to stay safe
By Drew Swainston Published
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When to Prune Fig Trees – The Expert Timing for Healthy Growth and a Generous HarvestThere are two times in the year that are ideal for pruning figs
By Drew Swainston Published
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7 Beautiful Flowers You Can Sow in September – to Fill Your Garden With Color Next YearGet ahead by sowing hardy annuals and perennials this month
By Drew Swainston Published
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Keep Your Containers Blooming Into Fall – This Natural Fertilizer Gives Plants a Late-Season BoostGardeners can use fish fertilizer on flowering and fruiting plants in late summer for a strong end to the season
By Drew Swainston Published
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5 Tools Every Small-Space Gardener Actually Needs – a Minimalist Toolkit That Ticks All the BoxesMulti-purpose garden tools every small-space gardener needs
By Drew Swainston Published
