I pulled up all my corn stalks, it was hard on the back :(
I going to be planting fall stuff in the beds so I didn't want corn roots in the bed

Leave the roots unless they will be in your way. They are good organic matter to enrich your soil. You can leave the stalks as well but they are more likely to be in your way even next summer. Composting the stalks is often the best way to go.

The Fruitnut

I always cut mine. Too hard to dig out the roots, and they've rotted away by spring planting time, even here in the frozen North. I lay the stalks around the base of trees, under the blueberries and grapes, that sort of thing, then cover them with leaves or grass clippings. Make a good weed barrier, and they break down by the following summer.

I hand chop the stalks AS soon as they are done producing...about 8 inch lengths...leaving the roots in the ground. This way they rot a lot before winter. I usually also chop them up more with the riding mower.

OK, will leave the roots in. Will use the stalks as compost. What is good to chop them with? Do you use a machete?

I use a steel blade on my weedeater. This has been the best $20 investment I've ever made. You will me amazed what it will slice through with ease.

Brook

Great idea Brook. Thanks!