Today, I planted some runner beans and some French beans, and tied them to the canes.
Once I had managed to get the roots separated from the root ball, I planted each plant in a hole with bone meal and compost. However, I did't spread the roots out- I simply placed the whole root system and bean in the hole and firmed in.
Is this ok, or should you always spread the root out?
they should be fine i dont spread the roots out too much. you must give them a jolly good water in and that will allow the roots to settle. you may lose one or two (i usually do) so its quite a good idea to pop a seed in the other side of the cane for back up they will be a few weeks behind but will fill any gaps and give you extra beans. i dont know about the bone meal but they will appreciate the compost.
If the roots are really tightly entwined just leave the mass, make sure there is enough moisture in the soil/compost mix to encourage them to move out though. :)