ScottsMiracle-Gro acquires two companies

Blossom and PlantLink both have products that support Connected Yard and the Water Positive Landscapes initiative.

MARYSVILLE, Ohio -- The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company has announced the acquisitions of two technology companies whose products support its Water Positive Landscapes Initiative and Connected Yard Internet of Things (IoT) solution.

The acquisitions include Blossom, maker of smart water controllers, and PlantLink, which includes soil sensors and a smart water valve system. Terms were not disclosed. Blossom and PlantLink enable the careful monitoring and control of watering levels, adjusting for soil moisture content and the weather forecast to eliminate guesswork with water use. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, up to 50 percent of outdoor water use is wasted by inefficient watering methods and systems. ScottsMiracle-Gro, through its Water Positive Landscapes, has committed to delivering innovation and programs to help consumers make a positive impact on water usage while growing the landscapes they want.

The Company partnered with Blossom and PlantLink for the early 2016 launch of the Connected Yard, its IoT solution to provide consumers with precision watering and other guidance to achieve healthy lawns and gardens. The data and water management functions are accessible through the Company’s GRO app for iOS and Android devices.

ScottsMiracle-Gro will put more resources toward Blossom and PlantLink, including product development, marketing support and retail channel expansion. Blossom and PlantLink primarily have been sold online through ecommerce retailers. Moving forward, the Company will also make them available in retail stores alongside other ScottsMiracle-Gro products. In addition, by leveraging last month’s acquisition of AeroGrow International, Inc., which provides indoor gardening products, ScottsMiracle-Gro will look to expand the Connected Yard and smart water solutions to incorporate indoor as well as outdoor spaces.     

“We have had a solid partnership with Blossom and PlantLink and look forward to taking these platforms to the next level,” said Peter Supron, chief of staff to the president of ScottsMiracle-Gro. “It is our goal to bring higher levels of awareness to lawn and garden smart IoT devices and help companies with these types of products grow. By leveraging technology, we can provide consumers with integrated solutions that can extend into many aspects of their lawns and gardens.”