
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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‘Papaya are exceptionally easy to grow’ – a tropical plant expert reveals the secrets to success
Papaya trees are fast-growing and versatile tropical plants that can provide bumper harvests
By Drew Swainston Published
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5 ways to get rid of ticks on lawns for good, according to pest and lawn experts
Discover the best natural methods to kill ticks on lawns, and ways to prevent them
By Drew Swainston Published
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2 ways to prune geraniums for winter, according to gardening pros, to ensure plants stay healthy during the colder seasons
These tender geraniums need winter protection in many areas – and can be overwintered in two ways
By Drew Swainston Last updated
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8 vegetables to plant in January – you can unlock the potential of earlier harvests by sowing seeds this month
Discover how to extend the growing season by sowing vegetable crops indoors this month
By Drew Swainston Last updated
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How to grow orach – why you need to discover this surprisingly easy-to-grow and nutrient-rich leafy green
Orach is a historic crop and a fantastic alternative to spinach – it won’t bolt when the temperatures rise
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to cut an overgrown hedge – expert tips for tackling unruly and out-of-control boundaries
Discover when to trim an overgrown hedge and the expert-recommended rules to follow to bring it back under control
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow lungwort – for an attractive and low-maintenance ground cover plant ideal for shady spots
This beautiful and versatile perennial can be a solution for those hard-to-fill gaps in the garden
By Drew Swainston Published
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How and when to prune a mango tree to keep it healthy and productive
Tips for pruning young and established fruit trees to get a great crop and make harvesting easier
By Drew Swainston Published
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8 garden jobs to do in January before it is too late – from mulching to bare-root planting
Discover what you need on your to-do list now, in our expert guide to the gardening month
By Drew Swainston Published
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What is forcing vegetables? Plus 4 fantastic crops to force for early harvests
Forcing vegetables has been done for centuries – discover why it still remains popular today
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow a jackfruit tree – for huge fruits you can use as a meat substitute in vegan dishes
Discover a range of tips for healthy trees and bumper harvests from a tropical tree expert
By Drew Swainston Published
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How and when to prune elderberry shrubs for beautiful bushes and a bumper crop of berries
Cut back elderberry bushes to keep them productive and looking fabulous
By Drew Swainston Published
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To leave it or clear it? What to do with snow on grass – plus expert tips to rescue a lawn after snowfall
Lawncare professionals share advice on caring for grass after a snow flurry
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow jicama – why you should consider this easy-to-grow, low-calorie, and flavorful root vegetable
Jicama is a historic and sweet-tasting crop that grows on vigorous vines
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow an orange tree and enjoy low-maintenance harvests of sweet, fragrant fruits
Discover why orange trees can be a simple choice for novice gardeners
By Drew Swainston Published
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When and how to divide asparagus – expert tips to rejuvenate older plants for better yields
Dividing asparagus crowns is simple and rewarding, but you must get the timing right
By Drew Swainston Published
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Plants to never prune in January – don’t risk the health of these popular trees and shrubs
Incorrect winter pruning can be potentially devastating to plants
By Drew Swainston Published
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7 perennials to plant in January – why this month is a great time to add bare-root plants to flower borders
Bare-root perennials are a cost-effective way of growing your plant collection
By Drew Swainston Published
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7 flowers to sow in January – plant seeds indoors this month for enchanting summer blooms
Yes, you can sow summer flowers this month indoors if you give them the heat and light they need
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to winterize a lawn mower – 6 expert steps for storing a mower
Know when and how to store both push and ride-on lawn mowers to have confidence they will start again without issues next spring
By Drew Swainston Last updated
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How to winterize a sprinkler system – 4 key steps recommended by irrigation experts
Switching off and draining a sprinkler system will prevent pipes or sprinkler heads breaking in winter
By Drew Swainston Last updated
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When to prune a privet hedge – trimming this fast-growing plant is vital to keep it controlled
Discover the right time to prune privet, along with expert tips to prune correctly
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow parsley root – a historic and nutritious crop that gives two different harvests
It is a dual-purpose vegetable – the taproot is similar to parsnips while the foliage can be used like parsley
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow mango trees – expert tips for tropical harvests at home
It will require patience if you aspire to harvest your own mangoes
By Drew Swainston Published