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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'Peecycling' is the latest sustainable gardening trend – but should you be peeing on your compost to improve it?
Urine in compost can accelerate your heap and provide a huge boost of nitrogen
By Drew Swainston • Published
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I'm a former professional vegetable grower and these are my tips for starting a vegetable garden
Creating a vegetable garden in your backyard doesn't have to be tricky if you follow these essential steps
By Drew Swainston • Last updated
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Onion growing problems – 8 common issues and expert tips for how to avoid them
If you wonder ‘why are my onions not growing?’ then it could be the result of one of these frequent problems
By Drew Swainston • Published
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When to transplant tomato seedlings – tips to get the timings right for potting up and planting out
Know when to pot up tomato seedlings to ensure you have strong and healthy plants
By Drew Swainston • Published
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Lasagna gardening – an expert guide to this no-dig method for compost-rich beds
Lasagna gardening can repurpose both garden and kitchen waste to create a growing environment your plants will love
By Drew Swainston • Published
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When to fertilize garlic – expert tips for how to feed crops
You can make a successful start by feeding the crop prior to planting
By Drew Swainston • Published
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How to grow strawberries in pots and hanging baskets – expert tips for homegrown fruit
Discover how to plant and grow strawberries in a container or hanging basket
By Drew Swainston • Published
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How to fertilize potatoes – expert tips for feeding crops and big harvests
A regular fertilizing regime can make all the difference to your potato plants
By Drew Swainston • Published
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Perennial onions – discover the low-maintenance alternative to traditional onions
8 of the best perennial onions for flavor year-after-year
By Drew Swainston • Published