Should I rely solely on zone maps when creating my garden?

Should I rely solely on zone maps when creating my garden?

Tracy DiSabato-Aust (Garden Designer and Author) gives expert video advice on: What is the 'USDA Hardiness Zone Map'?; What is the 'AHS Plant Heat Zone Map'?; What is the 'Sunset zone map'? and more...

No, we really wouldn't rely just on zone maps when creating a garden because, consideration to soil moisture, particularly drainage, is critical to plant heartiness as well. Plus we are often dealing with different areas in a particular garden that might have hot sunny sides or cold wet sides. All of that will affect your plant selection, not just the zone map.