Embodiments generally relate to a system for growing plants or other living organisms. A container is used that includes sensors for sensing conditions of the plant. Dispensers, such as emitters, provide a way to dispense materials such as water, nutrients, insecticides, herbicides, etc. under human or machine control. A network connection allows monitoring and control of the container from a remote site. Management of plant growth can be local or remote, or a combination of the two. Control expertise can be selected by a user who is local to the container from a website. Control expertise can also be provided by a human expert who is remote from the container. Other features are described.