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 and when to prune abelia for healthy and beautiful shrubs
Discover all about trimming these backyard favorites with our expert tips for pruning correctly
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow arugula – for a speedy crop of peppery leaves to boost your salad bowl
Everything you need to know about growing and harvesting this fashionable and flavorful salad leaf
By Drew Swainston Published
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When and how to prune a trumpet vine – to keep these vigorous climbers under control
Annually pruning established trumpet vines need not be intimidating, thanks to our expert trimming tips
By Drew Swainston Published
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7 plants to prune in February – discover popular shrubs and climbing plants that will benefit from a trim
Prune these plants before the end of the month to ensure the healthiest growth and best flowers for the coming year
By Drew Swainston Last updated
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What is a false spring? Why gardeners need to resist the temptation to plant early
How to avoid these common mistakes that are easy to make during a false spring
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to plan your seed sowing schedule like a pro – for the busy gardening year ahead
8 tips from a former professional gardener to help you get organized with your seed sowing
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow luffa plants at home – and harvest your own natural sponges
Have you ever wondered about how to grow luffa? Discover all you need to know, with expert tips covering everything from sowing to harvesting
By Drew Swainston Published
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When to prune crepe myrtle – plus the times to avoid trimming
Pruning crepe myrtles is highly beneficial, but when is the correct time to do it?
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow oca and get a crop of unique, colorful and versatile tubers
Looking for new crops to grow this year? Well, oca can be grown in the ground or in containers and might be a vegetable worthy of your time
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow jalapeno peppers in pots – top tips for bumper container harvests
There are real benefits to growing your jalapenos in containers - will you be tempted to try?
By Drew Swainston Published
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How and when to cut back miscanthus – why your aesthetic and location can determine the time
Miscanthus can be cut back in fall or late winter - which one will you choose?
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to sow seeds indoors – 6 tried-and-tested steps for propagation success
We explore everything you need to know to expertly start seeds indoors and have healthy seedlings for your backyard
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow lentils – is it simple to grow this nutritious crop at home?
Have you thought about growing this ancient crop? We discover how easy it is to grow and harvest lentils
By Drew Swainston Published
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What is pollarding? Discover the benefits this pruning method offers
We reveal why, when, and how you could use the technique in your backyard
By Drew Swainston Published
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When to prune wisteria? Tips to get the timing right for the look and health of this climber
Discover why and when to trim a wisteria each year - and add the task to your gardening diary
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow Chinese artichokes – a distinctive and rewarding crop with a unique flavor
Chinese artichokes may be relatively unknown, but are they worth adding to your growing lists for this year?
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to prune a lime tree and why it is better to do 'conservative’ trimming
We reveal the simple steps for pruning lime trees every two or three years
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to order seeds for this year’s garden – 6 rules a professional always follows
Planning and ordering seeds each year is always exciting, but there are pitfalls to avoid
By Drew Swainston Published
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How and when to cut back fountain grass – will you do it in fall or spring?
Experts reveal why your location might impact when it is best to prune
By Drew Swainston Published
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7 trees to prune in February – ornamental and fruit trees to trim this month
Discover some common trees that will benefit from a prune in February
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow celeriac – what I learnt from growing the root crop for restaurants
Celeriac was a mainstay in vegetable gardens I worked in, and is such a fabulous crop to grow
By Drew Swainston Published
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When and how to prune Knock Out roses – know the signs that the time is right
Discover the simple pruning steps to follow for glorious and healthy Knock Out roses
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow chili peppers – tips to enjoy a long and fruitful harvest
Get bumper crops by growing chili peppers from seed and starting them early
By Drew Swainston Published
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7 ornamental grasses to cut back in February – it is time to trim deciduous and evergreen varieties
Your backyard grasses will look all the better for being trimmed this month
By Drew Swainston Published