
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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How and when to fertilize cucumbers – plus the right type of fertilizer to use for a bounty of fruits this year
Regular feeding is important to keep this hungry crop producing lots of tasty cucumbers
By Drew Swainston Last updated
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How to grow the biggest garlic ever – 6 expert steps for larger bulbs come harvest time
Never be disappointed by your garlic yields again
By Drew Swainston Published
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If your tomato plants are wilting, don't fret, they can recover – I've grown tomatoes for decades and know the 5 most common causes, and how to fix them
Wilting is a tell-tale sign that something is wrong, and plants need some attention
By Drew Swainston Published
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Fertilize these 7 flowers and vegetables now – feeding in July will give you more flowers and better crops to harvest come fall
Plus, we reveal the best products to use
By Drew Swainston Published
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7 self-cleaning annuals that don’t need deadheading for a low-maintenance, long-lasting display of gorgeous blooms
Our picks can provide low-effort, stunning blooms in beds, containers, or hanging baskets
By Drew Swainston Published
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These 6 sweet potato companion plants will repel pests to give you the best crop, plus what never to plant with this root vegetable
Keep crops healthy and avoid dreaded pests like sweet potato weevil
By Drew Swainston Published
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7 plants to propagate in July – get new plants and grow your garden for free by taking cuttings this month
There are shrubs, perennials, climbers, and herbs you can take cuttings from in July
By Drew Swainston Published
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Do you need to deadhead portulaca? They may be self-cleaning plants, but there are big benefits to pinching off blooms
Discover when and how to deadhead portulaca
By Drew Swainston Published
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Do hummingbirds like mandevilla? Discover why this tropical climber is a beacon for wildlife
Mandevilla blooms are perfectly suited for hummingbirds
By Drew Swainston Published
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It's not too late to plant pumpkins in July in warmer zones, that will grow in time for Halloween and Thanksgiving
We reveal when the planting window shuts for different hardiness zones
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow watermelons vertically in small garden spaces – 4 key steps to get right for fantastic fruits
Picking the right type of watermelon and paying attention to training are key to good yields
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow a lime tree in a pot – 4 things to get right for healthy trees and great harvests, even in tiny spaces
Expert tips from experienced citrus tree growers
By Drew Swainston Published
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It's not too late to sow perennials and biennials in July to fill your borders with returning blooms – here are my picks for 7 flowers to plant this month
Top picks from an experienced horticulturist, along with essential sowing tips
By Drew Swainston Published
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Growing a date palm tree for hundreds of pounds of fruit is simpler than you think – expert tips to plant and cultivate one successfully
Discover how date palm trees are both ornamental and productive
By Drew Swainston Published
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Tomato leaves can curl for 4 common reasons – an expert grower reveals simple, fast fixes for each to keep plants healthy and preserve your harvest
Curling leaves is a common sign that something is not right with tomato plants, but it need not be a reason to panic
By Drew Swainston Published
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Can you harvest strawberries in the first year? An expert gardener says yes, but only if you grow a certain type of this delicious summer fruit
The focus on year one is to establish plants, but you can get a small harvest too
By Drew Swainston Published
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When and how to prune ninebark – expert horticulturists share advice for shapely shrubs and beautiful displays
Including how to successfully rejuvenate older and neglected ninebark shrubs
By Drew Swainston Published
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Worm casts are good for lawn health, but can be a nuisance – here’s the only way experts recommend dealing with them
Don’t fret over the appearance of worm casts, as they are simple to manage
By Drew Swainston Published
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I’ve dealt with invasive, thuggish plants as a professional gardener, and these are 5 plants I’ll never grow again in my beds or borders
It can be a real challenge to remove some of these plants completely
By Drew Swainston Published
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Plants that never need pruning, ever – 5 expert picks for a high-impact, low-maintenance garden
These plants will impress with no snipping, clipping, or trimming required
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow quince – for unique fragrant fruits and ornamental, easy-to-grow trees
Quince trees deserve to be more desirable, and here’s why
By Drew Swainston Published
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Are you struggling with aphids on tomato plants? Experts reveal 5 ways to get rid of these pests for good
See these simple and recommended ways to combat aphids on tomatoes
By Drew Swainston Published
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I harvested broccolini for a Michelin star restaurant – here is when and how to pick the crop at its absolute peak
Broccolini is very fashionable, as well as highly nutritious
By Drew Swainston Published
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June is an ideal time to harvest garlic scapes – here’s how to pick them at the perfect time for tasty, tender stems
Discover how shape is crucial to harvesting at the ideal moment
By Drew Swainston Published