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Garlic serves as an excellent companion plant, repelling various insect pests. For optimal growth, you can plant garlic alongside crops like apple and pear trees. When selecting garlic varieties, you will generally choose between softneck and hardneck types. Softneck varieties, commonly found in supermarkets, store well and are ideal for warmer climates. Hardneck varieties have fewer, but larger cloves, pack more flavor, and are preferred in colder areas.
Additionally, hardneck garlic produces scapes—curled flowering spikes that can be harvested a few weeks before the bulbs, providing a delicious bonus crop.