==Asparagus== in seed-beds to be thinned as soon as possible, so that wherever two or three plants rise together, the number should be reduced to one.  But there is time yet for seedlings to appear.  The bearing beds are more attractive, for they show their toothsome tops.  The cutting must be done in a systematic manner, and if practicable always by the same person.  It is better to cut all the shoots as fast as they attain a proper size, and sort them for use according to quality, rather than to pick and choose the fat shoots and throw the whole plantation into disorder.  Green-topped Asparagus is in favour in this country; but those who prefer it blanched have simply to earth it up sufficiently, and cut below the surface, taking care to avoid injuring the young shoots which have not pushed through.  It is not for us to decide on any matter of individual taste, but we will give a word of practical advice that may be of value to many.  It is not the custom to protect Asparagus in open beds, but it should be; for the keen frosts that often occur when the sticks are rising destroy a large number.  This may be prevented by covering with any kind of light, dry litter, which will not in the least interfere with that full greening of the tops which English people generally prefer, because the light and air will reach the plant; but the edge of the frost will be blunted by the litter.  If there is nothing at hand for this purpose, let a man go round with the sickle and cut a lot of long grass from the rough parts of the shrubbery, and put a light handful over every crown in the bed.  The sticks will rise with the litter upon them like nightcaps, and will be plump and green and unhurt by frost.

==Bean, Dwarf French==.—­The main crops should be got in this month, and successional sowings may be made until the early part of July.  Dwarf Beans are but seldom allowed as much space as they require, and the rows therefore should be thinned early, for crowded plants never bear so well as those that enjoy light and air on all sides.  In Continental cookery a good dish is made of the Beans shelled out when about half ripe.  These being served in rich gravy, are at once savoury and wholesome.  Almost all the varieties of the Dwarf and Climbing sections may be used in this way, and the Beans should be gathered when full grown, but not yet ripe.  The self-coloured varieties are also grown for use as dry Haricots, in which case the pods should not be removed until perfectly ripe.

==Bean, Climbing French==.—­Sow this month for the main crop, and onwards until June according to requirements.  In a general way the treatment usual for Runners will answer well for outdoor crops of the Climbing French Bean.

==Bean, Runner==.—­In the open ground sowings may be made as soon as conditions appear safe, but it is well to sow again at the end of the month or in June.

==Beet==.—­The main crop should be sown in the early part of the month.  Thin and weed the early sown, and if the ground has been suitably prepared, it will be needless to give water to this crop.  As Beet is not wanted large, it is not advisable to sow any great breadth until the beginning of May, or it is liable to become coarse.