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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7 annual flowers to sow in May for summer cutting
Discover a selection of fantastic flower seeds to sow directly into your cutting beds this month
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow sweet potatoes in a container – 7 top tips for great crops in pots or bags
All you need to know to grow sweet potatoes in a pot successfully
By Drew Swainston Published
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Discover when to fertilize irises and which expert-recommended feeds to choose for beautiful blooms
See the dos and don'ts of feeding irises to keep yours healthy and flowering at their best
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow heirloom tomatoes – and why should you choose such historic and proven varieties?
What exactly are heirloom tomatoes and are they difficult to grow? We answer these questions, and more
By Drew Swainston Published
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Turf experts recommend the best fertilizer for grass in spring to guarantee you a pristine lawn
Give your lawn some TLC in spring and discover how to pick the best feeds to use
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow zucchini vertically – expert tips for big harvests in small spaces
Short of space for sprawling zucchini plants? Why not train the crop to grow vertically?
By Drew Swainston Published
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The best fertilizer for flowers – expert tips for what to feed your beds and borders
Help your flowering plants perform at their best and give them all the important nutrients they need to put on a fantastic display
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow kale in pots – for harvests of nutritious leaves in small spaces
See our expert guide to growing kale in containers, whether you buy plants or raise your own from seed
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to lay turf in 7 steps – as recommended by lawn specialists
The importance of preparation, technique, and aftercare should not be underestimated if you want a beautiful lawn
By Drew Swainston Published
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When to plant black-eyed Susan seeds – expert flower growers reveal their methods for success
Discover when, where, and how to plant black-eyed Susan seeds like a professional
By Drew Swainston Published
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When to fertilize flower beds – expert tips for feeding annual and perennial flowers
Discover expert advice on how often to fertilize flowers in your beds and borders for a vibrant display of blooms
By Drew Swainston Published
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6 April lawn care tasks guaranteed to give you beautiful grass come summer
Simple steps to boost the appearance and health of your lawn this month
By Drew Swainston Published
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How and when to fertilize daffodils – expert tips for a vibrant spring display
Daffodils only bloom once a year - here's how to ensure yours perform at their best
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow daikon radish from seed – for magnificent crispy roots
These unique winter radishes can reach an impressive size - discover how to grow your own at home
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow cucumbers in pots – 7 professional tips for great harvests in small spaces
I have grown the crop as a kitchen gardener for many years - here's what I've learnt about growing cucumbers in pots
By Drew Swainston Published
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When to fertilize a new lawn for effective results and healthy grass – from seed or sod
Give a new lawn the best potential start by fertilizing at the time of planting
By Drew Swainston Published
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What is a box tree moth? Discover the damage box moths and box caterpillars can cause, and how to spot them
Box tree moths are invasive pests that have arrived in the US. These are the signs of moths and box caterpillars to look out for on your boxwood plants
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow spaghetti squash – expert tips to effectively grow this unique winter squash
Learn how to grow spaghetti squash in a home vegetable garden, with tips for sowing, planting, maintaining the crop, and harvesting the fruits
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow blackberries at home – for simple harvests of sweet summer fruits
Discover how to grow blackberries in your backyard, including advice for planting and caring for shrubs, and how you can propagate new blackberries
By Drew Swainston Published
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What is intercropping? Learn how to boost your vegetable garden with this effective technique
Intercropping is a great technique to boost harvests, deter pests, and grow healthy vegetables – discover some top plant combinations to try at home
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow black beans – expert tips to cultivate the sun-loving crop from seed successfully
All you need to know about growing this historic and versatile crop at home
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to fertilize fruit trees both young and established to keep them healthy and productive
Whether your fruit trees are in the ground or pots, discover how to fertilize fruit trees successfully to keep your plants healthy and producing bumper crops of fruit
By Drew Swainston Published
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When to start watering a lawn in spring – and 4 expert tips to help you make effective decisions
This is what you should check ahead of watering your lawn, or if you even need to water in spring at all
By Drew Swainston Published
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7 flowers to sow in April – what to plant this month for summer blooms to adore, cut, and even eat
Lots of annual and perennial flowers can be sown indoors and outdoors this month to give you fabulous displays of colorful blooms
By Drew Swainston Published