Which Vegetables are snow resistant?

Question

Ok it is May 21st and we are likely to have snow this morning. It is currently 33*F. So much for the global warming theory... anyway I have spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, head lettuce and peas already growing outside. The carrots and potatoes have not sprouted out of the ground yet but are due to any day. Are all of these going to survive a morning of snow? The spinach was already snowed on earlier this month and did fine. In fact it was buried in a couple of inches of snow all day. I'm worried about the other vegetables though. The best I can do is throw a tarp over them, but it won't cover the whole garden. Which vegetables should I be most worried about?

Update:

Will the potatoes and carrots be safe if they are still insulated under ground? It is now 31*F

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Obviously, the ones with the most water content in the leaves are the riskiest. The head lettuce is most at risk, but the peas should also be protected. The broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and potatoes are all fine unless there is a prolonged freeze. Your spinach has survived one frost, so should survive this one too.
Climate zones for planting have always been unpredictable year-by-year, since they are set by averages ... some high temperatures, and some snow, darn it. 
Market gardeners in the south spray water on all the plants so that the layer of ice acts as an insulating blanket. If you try that as well, it's another layer of protection. Drain the hose really well if you are hardy enough to be out there watering in those temperatures.

? · Answer

spinich, broc, cauli should be fine - peas should be ok but not if they are in flower, lettuce is a bit risky depending on the variety, forget the potatoes and the carrots (although root veg are ok once established)

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Which Vegetables are snow resistant?

2 Answers