Linda, if you cut the stem above ground leaving 5-6 inches to use as a handle. Wait for a few days maybe a week, and you can generally pull out the main roots pretty easily. If it doesn't come easily, wait a few more days. After I pulled the big roots, it's a good idea to water and maybe mulch the mix so worms can be comfortable and eat up the fine roots that are left. That is, if containers are under cover. I let some dry out last winter, no worms and you can still see the roots almost a year later..