
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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It might need a tad more effort, but growing lungwort in pots is well worth it – we reveal 5 crucial factors to get right for thriving plants
Includes tips for picking the best soil and pot, plus where to place and how to care for lungwort in containers
By Drew Swainston Published
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6 signs you have an unhealthy lawn – and how to fix the issues like a pro
Your grass will tell you when something is not right
By Drew Swainston Published
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Get bigger and better pumpkins by planting them with these 7 companion crops
Plus, discover what not to plant with your pumpkins
By Drew Swainston Published
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You can propagate grape vines from cuttings in 2 ways – here is a simple step-by-step guide to getting new plants for free
Plus, how to propagate grape vines by layering
By Drew Swainston Published
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You can grow bumper chili harvests in tiny, sunny spaces – our expert recommendations of the best varieties for pots (whether you like them hot or not)
Get delicious homegrown harvests of spicy or mild peppers on a balcony, deck or patio
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow currants – these healthy and easy-to-grow fruits thrive in cooler climates and are perfect for jams, jellies, and baking
Discover how simple it is to grow black, red, and whitecurrants
By Drew Swainston Published
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These 7 plants will dramatically improve your soil health – and August is the perfect time to sow them as green manures
Trust me, your future crops will thank you
By Drew Swainston Published
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7 fruits to pick in August – discover the signs of ripeness you need to know, and how to harvest them properly
Enjoy a fruitful month with our expert picking tips
By Drew Swainston Published
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If you aspire for tasty homegrown harvests in winter and spring, I recommend planting these 7 easy-to-grow vegetables in August
Featuring many cut-and-come-again crops that reward you with multiple pickings
By Drew Swainston Published
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Why is my crocosmia not blooming? 5 common reasons for a lack of flowers, and how to fix them
Discover the usual culprits for a lack of blooms with crocosmia
By Drew Swainston Published
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You can cut back bee balm in fall or spring – here’s how to decide which is best for you, plus expert tips for how to prune
How to get the best display of blooms thanks to regular trimming
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow a damson tree for bountiful harvests of delicious fruits – ideal for jams, jellies, and gins
All you need to know for success, from planting to harvesting fruits
By Drew Swainston Published
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Best corn companion plants – 7 crops guaranteed to help you get bigger yields and repel troublesome pests
Including flowers and herbs to prevent corn earworm from eating your crop
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow epazote – for a lush, unique herb with a powerful taste used in Mexican cuisine
Epazote can be simple to grow, but it does need to be controlled by cultivating it in pots
By Drew Swainston Published
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You can easily repel grubs by companion planting, and these are the 3 plants to use – the best is a popular herb you may already have in your garden
Prevent grubs from damaging lawns and borders by adding one or all of these beneficial plants
By Drew Swainston Published
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Agapanthus put on the best display when routinely fed in spring and summer – discover exactly when to fertilize and the best products to use
Whether growing in the ground or pots, agapanthus benefits from a regular feeding regime
By Drew Swainston Published
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5 native plants for nocturnal pollinators – these North American blooms will attract moths, bats and beetles under the cover of darkness
Nocturnal pollinators offer gardeners real benefits once the sun goes down
By Drew Swainston Published
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Are you mowing your lawn at the wrong time of day? Turf experts reveal the 2 worst times to cut grass, and when you should be doing it instead
When is the worst time to cut grass?
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow aronia berries – for an underrated and easy-to-grow bush with super-healthy summer fruits
Discover all about chokeberries, from planting to harvesting
By Drew Swainston Published
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Knowing when to plant Rose of Sharon makes it easier to get it established – discover the ideal window for your climate
Plus some key planting tips for happy and healthy shrubs
By Drew Swainston Published
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7 drought-tolerant perennials to plant in July – plant once and get low-maintenance blooms year after year
Once established, this selection needs little watering
By Drew Swainston Published
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July is your last chance to sow these 7 vegetables – do it now for abundant fall harvests
The window is closing for the likes of beets, carrots, beans, and summer radishes
By Drew Swainston Published
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An expert grower reveals the simple trick for knowing when to harvest fennel bulbs, plus how you can get a second crop of tasty greens
This will help you harvest perfect fennel bulbs before they go tough
By Drew Swainston Published
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This quick test can tell you if your lawn needs watering in hot weather – it is as simple as stepping onto the grass
A ‘bounce back’ check helps to keep grass alive during a heatwave
By Drew Swainston Published