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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What to Do With Tomatoes in July Heat – The Watering Routine That Keeps Plants Healthy and ProductiveWatering tops the list, but there are more things tomato plants need in July
By Drew Swainston Published
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Now's Your Last Chance to Harvest Rhubarb – And How to Set It Up for an Even Better Crop Next YearIt'll soon be time to recharge your rhubarb for next season
By Drew Swainston Published
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As a Pro Gardener, I Swear by This Tool for Weeding Between Crops and in Flower Beds – It's Fast and EffortlessI am a big fan of the stirrup hoe, and here’s why
By Drew Swainston Published
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Plants That Actually Cool Your Yard – They Act Like Natural Air Conditioning When Temperatures RiseUse trees, shrubs, and perennials to create a cooler microclimate
By Drew Swainston Published
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Prune These Plants in July for More Flowers, Bigger Harvests, and a Better Garden Next YearOur comprehensive guide to plants to prune in July
By Drew Swainston Published
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As a Pro Gardener I Always Use a Watering Wand – It's the Most Efficient and Easiest Way to Water Plants, Especially in a HeatwaveHere’s why I think more gardeners should use them too, along with some of the best watering wands to pick from
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to Grow Zinnias in Pots – And Guarantee Thrilling, Long-Lasting Displays in Small YardsYou need to know about these when growing zinnias in pots
By Drew Swainston Published
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What to Plant in July for Fast Results This Summer – Plus Beautiful Blooms and Harvests for Months to ComeDiscover the range of ornamental and edible plants you can sow this month
By Drew Swainston Published
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What to Do With Okra in July – 6 Jobs That Guarantee More Pods and Healthier PlantsIncluding harvesting okra and watering regularly for bumper harvests
By Drew Swainston Published
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If Your Crops Are Bolting Faster Than You Can Harvest Them, Try These 5 Tricks for Bigger, Longer HarvestsBolting is a natural process, but you can easily reduce the risk
By Drew Swainston Published
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Make This 1 Summer Fertilizer Switch Now – It's the Difference Between Leafy Plants and Show-Stopping BloomsIt is time to switch the focus from developing stems and foliage to buds and flowers
By Drew Swainston Published
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Doing This One Thing to Your Fruit Trees Now Will Result in Larger and Better Harvests – Even if They Do a ‘June Drop’ Each YearThinning out congested fruit trees is a crucial seasonal task
By Drew Swainston Published
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This Clever IKEA Planter Set Turns a Tiny Balcony Into a Productive Kitchen Garden – It's Even Perfect for StrawberriesA planter with a cover opens up many possibilities for growing fruit or vegetables in small spaces
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to Use Wood Ash in the Garden – It Could Be the Free Soil Booster You're OverlookingWood ash offers benefits, but needs to be used sparingly and alongside other fertilizers
By Drew Swainston Published
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7 Plants to Pinch Out Now – This 5-Minute June Task Will Reward You With More Flowers All SummerBumper blooms on bushier plants – what’s not to love
By Drew Swainston Published
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How To Harvest Thyme in Summer so it Keeps Growing – And to Get The Best FlavorWhether for cooking or medicinal purposes, here’s when and how we recommend picking thyme
By Drew Swainston Published
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Think Twice Before You Prune These Plants in June – You Could Sacrifice This Year's Flowers and Next Year's GrowthImproper pruning can be fatal in early summer for some trees
By Drew Swainston Published
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What To Do With a Grape Vine in June – 5 Tasks for the Finest, Sweetest FruitsGuarantee good-sized, healthy bunches of grapes to harvest with this monthly care guide
By Drew Swainston Published
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This Tall, Airy Container Plant Creates Elegant Privacy on a Balcony – and Pollinators Love It Too6 crucial tips for growing verbena in containers successfully
By Drew Swainston Published
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Make Your Hanging Baskets Burst With Blooms – and Stay Beautiful Longer – With This Simple Weekly HabitRegular summer feeds give hanging basket plants the nutrients they need to bloom
By Drew Swainston Published
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Take Time and Effort Out of Watering Pumpkins in Hot Weather With This Surprisingly Simple TrickThis clever watering technique helps keep plants hydrated when temperatures rise
By Drew Swainston Published
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3 Reasons Why Your Lawn Looks Worse in June – And How the Experts Recommend Turning It AroundIt can be a stressful month for your lawn, so don’t neglect it
By Drew Swainston Published
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Is It Too Late To Plant Grass Seed In June? The Surprising Answer From Lawn Care ExpertsWhile spring and fall are often recommended for sowing grass seed, experts say June can still deliver a lush lawn with the right approach
By Drew Swainston Published
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What to Do With Raspberry Plants in June for the Best Yields of Delicious Summer FruitsRaspberries are low-maintenance but not zero-maintenance – here are some jobs to add to this month’s to-do list
By Drew Swainston Published
