Articles by Drew Swainston, Content Editor

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.

Drew Swainston

Latest articles by Drew Swainston

Ferns in Pots Add Glorious Texture to a Patio – These Are the Best 5, Say Experts, From the Thousands You Can Choose From

The Secret to a Healthy Cotoneaster With Stunning Berries Is Proper Pruning – Here’s How the Experts Do It

Experts Claim ‘Gradual Pruning’ Is the Safest Way to Prune a Loquat Tree to Avoid Ruining Your Harvests

I’ve Spent My Career Working in Famous Gardens – This is the One Thing Pro Gardeners Never Skip in January

How to Grow Russian Sage in Pots, for a Beautiful, Fragrant Perennial That Pollinators Adore

Can You Mulch in January? A Pro Gardener Reveals When it Works – and When it Doesn't

I’ve Spent Countless Winters Pruning Hedges – These Are the 7 Deciduous Hedges You Can Trim in January

Get a Head Start on Your Spring Garden – 7 Jobs to Do This Month that Will Set You Up for a Strong Season

Plant These 7 Perennials in January and Your Garden Will Be Buzzing With Pollinators Come Spring

Watering Trees in Winter May Sound Unnecessary, but Don’t Overlook It – Trees Are Not Immune to Drought During Colder Months, Warns a Horticulturalist

Don't Fertilize Plants That Aren't Growing in Winter – One Pro Gardener Says it Damages Them in 5 Ways, and is a Waste of Time

Don’t Stress if Frozen or Waterlogged Soil Ruins Your Planting Plans in Winter – This Is the Easy Way to Keep Trees and Shrubs Safe to Plant Another Day

Don't Miss the January Pruning Window – 7 Trees that Love a Winter Trim, With Expert Advice on How to Prune Safely

Never Prune These Fruit Trees in Winter, or You’ll Put Their Future at Risk – 7 Species to Keep the Pruners Away From This January

Get Your Pruning Year Off to a Spectacular Start – 7 Shrubs and Vines to Trim on Bright January days

It Is Not Too Early to Sow Vegetables – Discover What You Can Plant in January, Wherever You Live

I Worked Outdoors Year-Round for a Decade – Here Are My Picks of 9 Must-Have Winter Garden Tools You’ll Actually Use and Will Make Your Life Easier

Freezing Winds Can Be a Killer for Escallonia – Experts Reveal the 3 Best Tactics to Overwinter Your Shrubs and Prevent Frost Damage

Most Gardeners Forget These Winter Bulb Tasks – But They'll Make Your Spring Blooms Amazing, Say Garden Pros

How to Overwinter Mexican Orange Blossom – Experts Reveal Their Top Tips to Keep Yours Alive in Cold Climates

Yes, You Can Keep Eggplant Alive Over Winter (and Grow It Again Next Season) – Here’s How Gardeners Do It

Have You Ever Wanted to Use a Leaf Blower for Snow? Experts Reveal When You Can and Can't, Plus How to Do It Efficiently

Garden Pros Say These 7 Jobs Will Protect Your Plants from Winter Damage – But They Need to Be Done in December

Experts Say This Is the Only Way To Safely Remove Snow From Trees, and Prevent Damage Through Winter

It's Not Too Late to Plant Tulips in December – Better to Take a Chance Than Not Do It at All, Says a Gardening Expert