Gardening - Vasili Kanidiadis with Denis Walter - Tue 24 Mar, 2026

In this episode of *Nights with Denis Walter*, host Denis Walter welcomes gardening expert Vasili Kanidiadis for a lively discussion on urban gardening, seasonal challenges, and sustainable food production. The conversation kicks off with a lighthearted exchange about rain disrupting phone signals, quickly transitioning into practical gardening advice. Vasili emphasizes that small spaces—like window planters or courtyard pots—are ideal for growing a variety of vegetables and herbs, even under the shade of large trees, which can be pruned to improve sunlight access. He shares tips on extending the growing season using DIY hot houses made from bamboo and bubble wrap, and advises listeners to protect plants from cold weather. A key theme emerges around food security, with Vasili urging people to grow their own food in response to rising fertilizer costs and supply chain issues. He recommends starting simple with common, nutritious plants like lettuce, parsley, silverbeet, and kale, using quality potting mix and local seeds. Listeners call in with questions about ripening limes (which turn yellow when fully ripe), slug control (using coffee grounds), and propagating native grass trees from seeds. The episode closes with a teaser for a future segment on a chemical-free food forest created by Tony’s son-in-law in southern NSW, highlighting regenerative agriculture practices. The episode blends practical gardening wisdom with broader environmental and economic concerns, positioning home gardening as both a joyful hobby and a resilient response to global instability. Vasili’s down-to-earth, enthusiastic tone—rooted in decades of experience—makes complex topics accessible. Listeners are encouraged to engage through the hotline 133693 and the show’s social media, reinforcing community-driven knowledge sharing. The segment ends on a hopeful note, emphasizing empowerment through self-sufficiency and sustainable living.