Whatever method you use, you want to keep the battery charged up, especially if it will be stored below freezing temps.
My method might vary, depending on what type of charging system the tractor has.
IF it's a 10A or higher system, I'd probably just drive the tractor for 10-15 minutes every week or 2. Move the oil around in the engine & trans, so to speak.
IF the nominal 3A system (like found on tractors without an electric PTO), I'd probably just store the battery in the garage and use the trickle charger overnight every couple weeks. A 3A system would use too much gas for the amount of charge produced.
Jut my $.02

The battery should be ok if you follow Bill's suggestion - exactly as stated. Unfortunatley, many owners put a trickle charger on the batter and forget it until next year. If this occurs, the battery will be cooked.

Another choice is to buy a battery maintainer (about $35 - $40). THe battery maintainer turns on and off as needed.

My additional $.02 is use a "24 hour timer" (set it to be ON for about 1 hour out of 24) to control a 3 AMP battery charger. The last timer I bought cost $5.50. And disconnect the battery negative cable from the battery. Doing this will eliminate ANY amount of parasitic drain that may be present in your vehicle electrical system.

Thanks for all of your opinions,,I like the thought of the battery maintainer. I might have to put that on my Christmas list.

PK

Living in N.NJ - I store the battery of one of my mowers in the basement - and trickle charge it when doing the laundry - once or twice a month.

I was told a warmer basement - where I avoid freezing temperatures is kinder to the battery.

The other tractor gets used during the winter months (and it will get the older battery of the two ) it gets used frequently during the week and trickle charged in the garage as needed. Which reminds me to check the water levels in both of them ...

Good luck

Thanks for all of your opinions,,I like the thought of the battery maintainer. I might have to put that on my Christmas list.

PK

Gee njdpo - you only do laundry once or twice a month? I'm afraid I'd have to get a replacement wife with that deal...or hire some in-house laundry help. :-) jest kiddin.

I don't have that problem cause I run both of mine all winter doing mulching or other things. I did buy a trickle charger and a battery maintainer, but don't really feel comfortable hooking them things up with all the fuel in the shed plus other things.