Sara Eff

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co.

Scientist

What 3 to 4 professional and/or personal accomplishments are you most proud of?

• Got to be on Good Morning America as a plant scientist when Scotts launched the plant food and soil products under the Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Line. The culmination of three years of work in organic nutrition.
• While working full-time, I got my master’s in plant health management from Ohio State University.
• Biology lead for Scotts R&D development of Good Research Practices, a committee where I help to review and process documents that ensure the quality of our internal research.

What led you to work in the horticulture industry?

• I spent many summers gardening with my mother and always loved growing plants both indoor and outdoor. I began as a contract employee at Scotts right out of undergrad and have now been here for 12 years.

What’s the best thing about your job? (Please select one)

• I get to do what I love, every day

Describe to a 6-year-old what you do in life?

• I help to make gardening products. This can be new plant foods or soil products to help people grow their own plants at home.

What are your favorite hobbies?

• Reading
• Hiking
• Snowboarding 
• Concerts (live music)

When you’re not working, what are 2 to 3 things we could find you doing?

• Going on hikes with my dog
• Laying on the couch with a good book
• Enjoy a nice meal out

Do you have any unusual talents, or can you tell us something interesting about yourself that other people may be surprised to find out?

• I grew up riding horses all through my childhood and into high school, and it’s something I really want to get back into.

One thing you can’t live without?

• My two adorable pups, Hugo and Bella

What are you (un)secretly good at?

• Organization — everything has its place

What are your top three bucket list items?

• See the northern lights
• Horseback riding in the Rocky Mountains
• Complete an overnight backpacking trip

What’s your favorite plant variety and why?

• Ranunculus; just look at them — they are stunning.

You’re buying a vacation package to anywhere in the world without a budget, where are you going?

• Hiking the Dolomites in the Italian Alps