If you're just going to mow and pull the occasional, non ground-engaging attachment like a dump cart, broadcast spreader, sweeper, etc, I think either tractor will probably be just fine. I've got a Husqvarna YTH2348 lawn tractor and it handles all these tasks without a problem. Looking at the specs for the two models you mention, the Husqvarna GT you mention sounds like a much beefier tractor. Both run B&S V-Twins, but the Husqvarna has a more HP. It also has larger rear tires (23x10s instead of 20x8s), a beefier frame (10 or 11 instead of 12 gauge steel) and it also weighs a lot more than the 500lb Snapper. It has a beefier hydrostatic transmission and a deck that's 6" bigger so it'll take you less time to mow. On paper it would seem that the Husqvarna is the "bigger" tractor. The Snapper sounds like it's more in line with the ~$1800 YHT2348 Husqvarna which has the same Tuff-Torque K46 Hydro tranny, and same wheel size, but still features a larger 48" deck and 11 gauge steel frame and 23 horse Briggs v-twin. In your shoes, I'd probably opt for the Husqvarna GT or even one of their bigger lawn tractors like the YTH2454 (24 horse B&S with 54" deck ~$2000), YTH2348 (23 horse B&S with 48" deck ~$1800), or the YTH2146XP which has a 21 horse Kawasaki v-twin, 46" two blade deck and uses the same GT frame (~$2400). I really think either one should do just fine for what you want though.

The decision has been made. Hubby called and although he didn't admit that getting the box was a good idea (he would never give me the satisfaction) he said he had been thinking about using it to store the kindling. Since it has a lid on it the kindling would stay dry and it would also keep it more tidy. I think I can live with that. Although I was kinda thinking of how to make the coffin idea work ....

Watch it carefully and provide support as the fruit develops - in many cases the fruit can get so heavy that it can crimp the stem or even break it and you lose the whole bunch. So, get a couple of long poles - bamboo works well - and tie them together to form a brace and lodge that against the growing stem so that it has more of a chance of fully developing the fruit. You can even, in addition to the support, splint the stem too. It depends on the nanner variety, of course - some are heavy producers and others are light producers, but better safe than sorry...

Welcome to Potager Gardening! Post some pictures of your yards whether they are all set up and pristine or if you are planning a complete overhaul. Some of my favorite threads are the before, during and after shots and discussions. So what did you do today in your yard? I took some time this weekend to clear out my backyard growing areas; moving the vines and leaves of the finished veggies into the compost area, re-marking and edging the rows, adding compost, moving volunteer lettuce into the new bed, adding mulch to walkways, picking peppers and tomatoes. Whew. I'm planning to extend the veggie plantings next year; with the economy doing its thing I want to produce more food right here at home.