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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10 of the best vegetables to overwinter – for bountiful, homegrown harvests throughout the colder months
I grew and picked vegetables for chefs year-round, and these are some of the top crops that always performed well through winter
By Drew Swainston Published
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Vegetables to grow in a greenhouse in fall – 9 of the best crops to plant undercover
Once the summer crops come to an end, there are hardy vegetables to take their place to provide a harvest in late fall and winter
By Drew Swainston Last updated
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How to grow turnips from scraps – for a harvest of under-appreciated and peppery turnip greens
Get a tasty crop in just a few simple steps, or grow the top for even longer to get turnip seeds to sow
By Drew Swainston Published
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Is collecting fallen leaves always essential? Discover where never to leave them, and the places in the yard where it's safe to do so
Should they stay or should they go? We advise, and highlight the best leaf-collecting tools for the job
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 Last updated
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I have over 10 years of hands-on pruning experience, and these 9 pruning tools are the only ones I would recommend
Here are some of the best pruning tools and accessories to have in your gardening toolkit
By Drew Swainston Published
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Should I cut back asters in the fall or wait until spring? The choice is yours, and here’s how to decide
Which side are you on when it comes to cutting back asters? Our guide will help you to pick
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow broccoli rabe – for quick harvests of unique and delicious florets, stems, and leaves
It may be broccoli rabe, raab, or rapini - whatever you know it as, here is how to grow the superb crop successfully
By Drew Swainston Published
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When to prune mophead hydrangeas – and why a light touch goes a long way
Know when and how to prune mophead hydrangeas for fantastic blooms every summer
By Drew Swainston Published
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Seeds to collect in October – 7 flowers and vegetables to harvest seeds from this month
Get ahead for next year by collecting seeds, and discover tips for how to harvest and store them
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to sharpen hedge trimmer blades expertly and safely in 7 simple steps
Ensure your hedge trimmer makes clean cuts and works efficiently by knowing how to keep the blades sharp
By Drew Swainston Published
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When to harvest bush beans – and how to pick them at their peak for texture and taste
Get crunchy and delicious beans, plus discover how to harvest bush beans so as not to damage the crop
By Drew Swainston Published
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Why are my citrus leaves curling? 5 reasons for warped foliage
Fruit tree experts discuss the causes and solutions for curling citrus leaves
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to harvest grapes in 6 simple steps – expert tips for successful picking and storage
Discover the tools and technique you need to know to harvest grapes
By Drew Swainston Published
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7 herbs to divide in October to keep plants productive – and get new ones for free
Dividing herbs is quick, simple, and very rewarding. See a selection of herbs to split this month
By Drew Swainston Published
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7 plants to never prune in October – and why early fall is a risky time to trim
Keep the pruning shears away from these plants this month
By Drew Swainston Published
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7 vegetables to plant in October – and professional advice for growing them successfully
Discover how to get earlier harvests in spring by sowing vegetables this month
By Drew Swainston Published
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How to grow Russian sage – there is lots to love about the beautiful, drought-tolerant, and undemanding perennial
Everything you need to know about growing and maintaining Russian sage
By Drew Swainston Published
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Perennial bulbs to plant in fall – 12 to plant now for color that lasts from winter to summer
Early-to-mid fall is a great time to add a long list of bulbs to your garden for a returning, long-lasting display
By Drew Swainston Last updated
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When to never prune trees – professional arborists reveal the crucial times of year to avoid trimming
Pruning trees at these times can pose a risk to their health and wellbeing
By Drew Swainston Published
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When and how to fertilize pumpkins – expert tips for growing bigger and brighter crops
By Drew Swainston Last updated
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How to store bulbs before planting – 3 expert tips to keep them in top condition
Discover how to store bulbs properly - as it isn’t always possible to plant them as soon as they arrive
By Drew Swainston Published
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When to harvest luffa – and how to process fruits for homemade sponges
Young, tender luffa can be picked and eaten, while you can dry mature fruits to use as natural sponges
By Drew Swainston Published
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When to prune panicle hydrangeas – this is the ideal time to trim for healthy shrubs and lots of blooms
Discover when the experts recommend to prune panicle hydrangeas, and key times to avoid
By Drew Swainston Published