
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 Lawn Experts Swear by This One Simple Tool for a Thicker, Greener Summer GrassAll hail the metal lawn rake – you’ll look at it with a newfound appreciation after seeing how versatile it is
By Drew Swainston Published
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Unpredictable Spring Temperatures Can Cause Onions to Bolt – Do This One Quick Fix to Save Your CropWe also reveal expert tips to stop onions from bolting
By Drew Swainston Published
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5 Simple Steps to Creating a Japanese-Inspired Garden Path – for a Mindful, Serene BackyardFrom planning the style of path to picking materials, planting, and features
By Drew Swainston Published
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This Is Your Sign to Fertilize Hungry Vegetables – When to Start a Regular Regime for the Best HarvestsAnd how to pick the best products to use, too
By Drew Swainston Published
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Lily Beetles Are Emerging This Month – And This Surprising Natural Trick Can Help Stop an Infestation EarlySunflower oil is an organic alternative to using chemicals – we also recommend handpicking lily beetles as a tried-and-tested control method
By Drew Swainston Published
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The Balcony Gardens at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 Proved Vertical Gardening Is the Secret to Making Small Spaces Feel BiggerLightweight, modular arches can maximize space – plus they are mobile and perfect for modern yards
By Drew Swainston Published
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5 Planting and Design Trends From RHS Chelsea 2026 That Will Work Beautifully in Any BackyardThe trends that inspired me (and can inspire you, too) as I strolled the Chelsea showground
By Drew Swainston Published
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Some Plant Ties Can Damage Climbers – Here Are the Best Types to Use InsteadYou can even repurpose old fabric for DIY plant ties
By Drew Swainston Published
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These Professional-Grade Pruning Shears Are an Investment Worth Making – for Years of Efficient GardeningA pair of Felco 8 Elite pruning shears could become a reliable and comfortable life partner
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to Plant a Drought-Tolerant Pollinator Garden – 7 of the Best Native Perennials and ShrubsSupport bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds with these beautiful additions
By Drew Swainston Published
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This Underrated Tool Could Completely Change the Way You Care for Your Lawn – Garden Experts Swear by ItExperts say this one tool with many uses will keep a lawn good-looking and healthy
By Drew Swainston Published
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My Seed Trays Kept Drying Out in Spring – This Expert-Backed Bottom-Watering Method Finally Solved ItI’ve always watered seed trays from below – here’s why and how to do it
By Drew Swainston Published
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The Best Natural Supports for Tall Perennials – Sustainable Stakes That Look Good in BordersKeep your perennial plants standing in style with these beautiful natural options
By Drew Swainston Published
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Birds Stealing Seeds and Damaging Seedlings in May? 3 Simple Ways to Stop Them Without Damaging Your GardenExperts reveal their trusted ways to keep your precious plants safe
By Drew Swainston Published
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Fertilize Spring Bulbs Now to Recharge Them For a Glorious Display Next Year – You'll Get Bigger, Brighter BloomsPlus, experts reveal a big mistake to avoid making
By Drew Swainston Published
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Divide These Perennials in May to Multiply Your Favorite Plants – and Fill Borders for FreeThe spring window for dividing plants is closing, so we advise acting fast
By Drew Swainston Published
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7 Cuttings to Take in May for Free Pollinator Plants – Bees, Butterflies, and Hummingbirds Love ThemSpring is a perfect time for softwood cuttings; here are our picks for suitable pollinator-friendly plants
By Drew Swainston Published
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What to Do With Overgrown Asparagus? Experts All Agree There Is Only 1 Solution – and It Benefits Your Crop Long-TermSimply leave it alone; that is the fix
By Drew Swainston Published
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This Is the Ideal Height to Get Supports in Place for Your Flowers – Act Quickly, or You Could Risk Damaging PlantsDiscover when to support perennials for healthy plants and beautiful displays
By Drew Swainston Published
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The One Lawn Job Experts Think You Shouldn’t Skip This May – and Why It Transforms Growth for the Rest of SummerAs much of the US is seeing drought conditions, professionals recommend watering the lawn this month
By Drew Swainston Published
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Your May Pruning Guide: What to Cut Back Now for Glorious Summer Growth – and What to Leave AloneA go-to guide for all your May pruning
By Drew Swainston Published
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An Adjustable Pruning Shear Was New to Me, but the Versatile Corona FlexDIAL Bypass Pruner Handled All My Everyday PruningA flexible pruner that works throughout the yard
By Drew Swainston Published
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A Compost Chimney Is the Answer to Faster, Cleaner Composting – and This One Is Super-Easy to MakeGardeners swear by this simple airflow trick to eliminate smelly compost piles
By Drew Swainston Published
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Easy, Fast-Growing Vegetables to Plant in May for a Bounty of Early Summer HarvestsEnjoy pickings in 60 days or less
By Drew Swainston Published
