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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How and when to harvest dahlia seeds for new beautiful blooms next year
Learn how and when to collect dahlia seeds – and store them correctly to sow in the spring and get new flowers for free
By Drew Swainston Published
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When to cut back asparagus – pruning tips from an experienced kitchen gardener and asparagus grower
How to have the healthiest and most productive crowns by cutting them back at the right time of year
By Drew Swainston Published
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When to prune pear trees – expert advice for timing your winter and summer pruning
Knowing when to prune is as important as knowing how – pruning at the wrong time can damage your tree
By Drew Swainston Published
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10 of the best spring bulbs to plant in fall for a glorious display all season long
By planting a mixture of spring bulbs in the fall you can create a stunning show of blooms that will last for months, whether it is in beds, borders, or containers
By Drew Swainston Published
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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 Published
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When to cut back black eyed Susans – the experts are split on the best time
Discover when to cut back black eyed Susans after they bloom, whether you want a tidy garden for winter or to leave food for birds, and how to cut them back
By Drew Swainston Published
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I grew these edible tubers for chefs – here is my tip for when to harvest Jerusalem artichokes
Jerusalem artichokes are lifted in fall and winter – and actually benefit from frosts that make them sweeter
By Drew Swainston Published
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When to fertilize fruit trees to ensure you have healthy plants and bumper crops
Keep your fruit trees happy and thriving by knowing when to feed and mulch your trees
By Drew Swainston Published
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When to cut back coneflowers for thriving blooms – is it better to do it in late fall or early spring?
Discover the pros and cons of either time, along with how to cut back coneflowers correctly
By Drew Swainston Published
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5 quick and easy DIY garden watering system ideas to make by repurposing everyday household items
Discover how the likes of old bottles, buckets, PVC pipes, and even shoelaces can be used to keep your plants hydrated
By Drew Swainston Published
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When to harvest winter squash – and store them properly for months of produce
Discover when to harvest winter squash and the signs to look out for that show fruits are ready, together with tips on how to pick and store winter squashes
By Drew Swainston Published
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When to transplant peonies – what is the best time to move these precious plants?
Lifting and moving peonies can be done, but the plants do take a few years to recover and get back to blooming at their best
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to propagate coleus – tips to grow new plants from cuttings or seed
Discover how to grow new coleus plants with expert advice for when and how to take cuttings and sow seeds
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to harvest coriander seeds – to use in cooking, or to sow for new plants in your garden
The dual-use coriander seeds are so simple to harvest and dry - and they can store for years
By Drew Swainston Published
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When and how to pick a pineapple – 3 signs that show the ‘test of patience’ may be over
It can take up to three years to finally get a ripe pineapple to harvest from the plant
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to propagate polka dot plants
Polka dot plants can be successfully propagated in soil or water
By Drew Swainston Published
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When and how to fertilize pumpkins – expert tips for giving the right nutrients at the right time
Pumpkins benefit hugely from being fed extra nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium at specific times of the plant’s development
By Drew Swainston Published
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Why are my cucumbers turning yellow? 7 reasons fruits are the wrong color and how to fix it
Yellow cucumbers are undesirable and best sent to compost rather than the salad bowl
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow honeydew melons from seed – for a great crop
Discover all you need to know to be able to grow and harvest delicious honeydew melons
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow thyme indoors – expert tips for flourishing herbs in a sunny window
Learn how to give thyme the right location, soil, and watering regime to keep plants happy and healthy indoors
By Drew Swainston Published
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Are olive trees drought-tolerant? Experts reveal the resilience of olives – and how to have the best watering regime
Established olive trees are very resilient to dry conditions, but will benefit from deep and infrequent watering during periods of drought
By Drew Swainston Published
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When and how to harvest leeks – for a long crop of perfect stems
Discover when different types of leeks are ready to harvest, the best way to lift them carefully from the ground, and how to prepare them for storage
By Drew Swainston Published
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Why are my pumpkin leaves turning yellow? The usual suspects and how to fix the common problem
Discover the reasons that pumpkin leaves turn yellow and what to do to keep your plants healthy
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to deadhead lantana – to extend blooming and stop plants spreading
Lantana’s already long flowering season can be further boosted by the simple process of snipping off spent blooms
By Drew Swainston Published