Abstract: To control the growth of surface nanostructures precisely and dependably is crucial for the exploration of fundamental physics and novel quantum phenomena in low-dimensional systems, as well as for the continuable development of the microelectronic industry. Self-organized growth, an autonomous order phenomenon mediated by mesoscale force fields or kinetic limitations in growth processes, enables the control of nanostructures on the atomic scale and their organization at mesoscale levels. Starting from our recent study of the growth and properties of surface nanostructures we discuss both the basic physics of self-organized growth and the controllability of metal nanowires, ordered molecule films, and arrays of metal alloy nanodots.