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
-
How to cut back coleus for winter – to benefit plants growing indoors and out
If you cut back coleus, these traditional annuals can put on another stunning show next year
By Drew Swainston Published
-
When and how to harvest broccoli rabe – top tips to get the timing right for abundant yields
Our guide to broccoli rabe harvesting will help you enjoy multiple pickings from each plant
By Drew Swainston Published
-
When should I put my poinsettia in the dark to rebloom for Christmas? Experts share timing tips
Encourage vibrant color in time for the holidays with this practical advice
By Drew Swainston Last updated
-
How to store pumpkins – 5 important steps to ensure they keep for as long as possible
Discover how to store pumpkins for months
By Drew Swainston Published
-
How to grow vegetables from cuttings – 10 delicious crops and expert tips to get free plants
If you love to propagate plants, why not experiment with vegetables that grow from cuttings?
By Drew Swainston Published
-
Do you cut strawberries back in the fall? Experts reveal the potential dangers of trimming ahead of winter
You can trim them, but be careful not to get too carried away
By Drew Swainston Published
-
8 crops to harvest in October – a selection of this month’s best vegetable garden offerings
We take a closer look at some of the best fruits and vegetables that are ripe for harvesting this month
By Drew Swainston Last updated
-
When to divide plants – for new perennials that establish fast and flower abundantly
Our experts explain the best times to divide perennials and populate your yard for free
By Drew Swainston Published
-
What are woolly apple aphids? How to spot and control these troublesome pests
Discover how to get rid of woolly aphids on apple trees and other host plants
By Drew Swainston Published
-
7 flowers to sow in October for spring and early summer blooms
Discover some fantastic flowers to start this month, along with tips for where and how to sow the seeds
By Drew Swainston Last updated
-
How to harvest black walnuts – discover the right way to get this tough nut to crack
Black walnuts are a delicacy, but they make you work for it
By Drew Swainston Published
-
How and when to fertilize leeks – plus expert tips for the best feeds to use
Discover the nutrients leeks need and recommended methods of feeding them for a bumper crop
By Drew Swainston Published
-
How to cure pumpkins successfully to give them the longest life
If you cure pumpkins, they can store for months – here is where and how to do it
By Drew Swainston Published
-
10 of the best vegetables to overwinter – for bountiful, homegrown harvests throughout the colder months
I grew and picked vegetables for chefs year-round, and these are some of the top crops that always performed well through winter
By Drew Swainston Published
-
Vegetables to grow in a greenhouse in fall – 9 of the best crops to plant undercover
Once the summer crops come to an end, there are hardy vegetables to take their place to provide a harvest in late fall and winter
By Drew Swainston Last updated
-
How to grow turnips from scraps – for a harvest of under-appreciated and peppery turnip greens
Get a tasty crop in just a few simple steps, or grow the top for even longer to get turnip seeds to sow
By Drew Swainston Published
-
Is collecting fallen leaves always essential? Discover where never to leave them, and the places in the yard where it's safe to do so
Should they stay or should they go? We advise, and highlight the best leaf-collecting tools for the job
By Drew Swainston Published
-
10 vegetables to plant in fall for delicious crops in the colder months and beyond
Many fall planting vegetables provide quick harvests in fall and winter, while others give earlier harvests come next year
By Drew Swainston Last updated
-
I have over 10 years of hands-on pruning experience, and these 9 pruning tools are the only ones I would recommend
Here are some of the best pruning tools and accessories to have in your gardening toolkit
By Drew Swainston Published
-
Should I cut back asters in the fall or wait until spring? The choice is yours, and here’s how to decide
Which side are you on when it comes to cutting back asters? Our guide will help you to pick
By Drew Swainston Published
-
How to grow broccoli rabe – for quick harvests of unique and delicious florets, stems, and leaves
It may be broccoli rabe, raab, or rapini - whatever you know it as, here is how to grow the superb crop successfully
By Drew Swainston Published
-
When to prune mophead hydrangeas – and why a light touch goes a long way
Know when and how to prune mophead hydrangeas for fantastic blooms every summer
By Drew Swainston Published
-
Seeds to collect in October – 7 flowers and vegetables to harvest seeds from this month
Get ahead for next year by collecting seeds, and discover tips for how to harvest and store them
By Drew Swainston Published
-
How to sharpen hedge trimmer blades expertly and safely in 7 simple steps
Ensure your hedge trimmer makes clean cuts and works efficiently by knowing how to keep the blades sharp
By Drew Swainston Published