Online Class: Tropical Gardening 101

This course on tropical gardening is designed for beginner gardeners who are looking to start a tropical garden or to cultivate a garden they have inherited on their property.

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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 13
    Lessons
  • 16
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 189
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 4
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.4
    CEUs
 
 

Course Description

Unearth the Beauty of Tropical Gardening: A Beginner’s Odyssey

Evoke the magic and allure of lush tropical landscapes right in your backyard! Our meticulously crafted course, dedicated to the splendors of tropical gardening, is tailored specifically for budding garden enthusiasts. Whether you're just planting your first tropical seedling or seeking to rejuvenate an inherited tropical haven, this course is your gateway to a botanical paradise.

Begin your journey by immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of tropical flora. Discover the origins of these exotic beauties, grasp their intricate functioning, and delve deep into their unique requirements. Equipped with this knowledge, handpick from an array of vibrant tropical plants to adorn your garden.

But cultivating a tropical garden isn't merely about plant selection. Understand the nuanced art of nourishing, safeguarding, pruning, and sculpting these plants, ensuring they not only survive but flourish spectacularly in your space. Navigate the challenges of tropical gardening with ease, from combating pests to mitigating diseases.

For those committed to eco-friendly gardening, we delve into the principles of organic gardening, guiding you to curate a garden that's in harmony with nature. Beyond this, master the skills of effective garden planning and discern the tropical garden archetype that aligns perfectly with your aspirations and the unique character of your space.

Fear not if you've been told you lack the elusive 'green thumb'. With our expert guidance, you'll unearth your innate gardening prowess and learn the secrets to making your tropical retreat thrive.

Dive in and let us guide you in weaving the vibrant threads of the tropics into your very own garden tapestry! Join our course today and embark on a botanical journey like no other.

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Course Motivation

Where Tropical Plants May Have Begun

If you look at a globe of the Earth, you will notice there are distinct zones in which certain countries and continents lie. In the middle of the globe, halfway between the North and South poles, is the equator. This line separates the northern and southern hemispheres from each other, even though it is not an actual feature of the lands.

The line is where the climates of the Earth can also be separated. The areas that are close to the equator are considered tropical, as they have the highest temperatures and they have the best conditions for growing tropical plants.

These areas are not only hot, but some of these areas also have higher levels of moisture, which allow for better growing conditions.

(After all, the Sahara Desert also lies along the equator, but verdant tropical gardening is not possible there.)

However, it is not just the equator that designates where tropical plants can be found. There are also two other lines of measurement that have been placed onto maps for reference.

These lines are the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, located respectively, above and below the equator. Within these lines, slightly above, and below them are the higher temperatures and the ability for people to grow tropical plants.

Of course, the Earth itself already has plants that are tropical in those areas, so humans are not completely responsible for the growing patterns there. 

How Tropical Plants Migrated Around the Globe
 

While the tropical plants in these tropical zones are lush and vibrant, this does not necessarily mean that the plants have stayed in those areas forever.

Since it is possible for us to buy potted plants from tropical regions and to find tropical plants in some non-tropical areas of the world, thus, it is clear that the plants were brought to new areas over the course of time.

Many people believe that the tropical plants of today were brought into other areas by explorers of the period. When the explorers saw that the plants were new and exciting, they decided to bring them back to their homelands.

This did not always mean that the plants survived and thrived, but the introduction of many plants was a successful one.

Think about the introduction of the orchid or the palm tree, not native to Europe in the time of the explorers. In addition, the rubber tree plant of India was also brought into new countries.

Once these plants were brought in and cultivated, then the people of the areas would bring the plants into other areas, and those people then brought the plants into other areas.

Before long, tropical plants were not long confined to their original home. They had found a number of new homes, and now, they might find a home in your backyard. 

Summary

Tropical plants are generally found within the tropical zone of the world, between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, the two lines of delineation above and below the equator.

These plants were found by the explorers from Europe and then brought into other countries with trade and through successful planting.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.8 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(358 votes)

Lesson 1. History of Tropical Plants

When you think about the tropical plants of the past, one image may come to mind, Paradise. 11 Total Points
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Assessment: Lesson 1: History of Tropical Plants

Lesson 2. Types of Tropical Plants

Just like any plant, tropical plants can be divided into different subcategories. 11 Total Points
  • Lesson discussions: Tropical Plants
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 2: Types of Tropical Plants

Lesson 3. Common Tropical Plants

When you are heading to the garden store or you are ordering plants online, you might not know exactly what plants to buy. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 3: Common Tropical Plants

Lesson 4. Tropical Garden Ideas

If the idea of paradise is what originally attracted you to the idea of having a tropical garden, then you may have had a distinct image in your mind. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 4: Tropical Garden Ideas

Lesson 5. Planting

Once you have the plan for your yard in your mind and possibly on paper, the real work begins. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 5: Planting

Lesson 6. Growing

Growing in your garden does not need to be a difficult process when you understand the basics of what your plant needs and how you can provide those basic needs. 9 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 6: Growing

Lesson 7. Pruning

Similar to the practice of weeding, pruning can become a helpful way to support your tropical garden. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 7: Pruning

Lesson 8. Protecting

Though you might think that your plants will be fine in the elements you have chosen for them, they still need your help. 9 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 8: Protecting

Lesson 9. Common Growing Problems and Solutions

Many people think that having tropical plants means that you will need to spend a lot of time dealing with problems in your yard, but this is not the case. Additional lesson topics: Houseplant Problems 10 Total Points
  • Lesson discussions: Garden Problems
  • Assessment: Lesson 9: Common Growing Problems & Solutions

Lesson 10. How to Plan Your Tropical Garden

Once you have the basics down of how to grow tropical plants, the fun part can begin, planning your garden. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 10: How to Plan Your Tropical Garden

Lesson 11. Organic Gardening Options

The idea of organic is something that is often attributed to food more than traditional gardening, but with the increased awareness of the environment, it is not surprising that many people are interested in going green. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson discussions: Organic Gardening
  • Assessment: Lesson 11: Organic Gardening Options

Lesson 12. How to Train Tropical Plants

Finally, when you have learned the basics of growing tropical plants and you are comfortable with managing pests and diseases, you can do more with your plants, train them. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Lesson 12: How to Train Tropical Plants

Lesson 13. Conclusion

The explorers of the past knew they had stumbled upon something special when they found tropical plants. 42 Total Points
  • Lesson discussions: What is your opinion of this course?; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Complete: Lesson 13 Assignment
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
162
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Summarize the history of tropical plants.
  • Describe types of tropical plants.
  • Identify common tropical plants.
  • Describe tropical garden ideas and techniques for planting, growing, pruning, and protecting a tropical garden.
  • Identify common growing problems and solutions.
  • Describe how to plan your tropical garden.
  • Summarize how to train tropical plants.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Tropical Gardening 101
Course Number: 8900130
Lessons Rating: 4.8 / 5 Stars (358 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is online and available in all 50 states including: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas.
Last Updated: October 2023
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.4 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Cathleen Chouinard
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "It was all very informative." -- Catharine A.
  • "Everything was helpful, and it was broken down into useful sections." -- Thomas P.