You can grow it easy in a cool climate and yes you braid it and store in a cool place
Down here I am braiding Peppers and air drying in heat, bit more of a pain in the eye.
God meant for garlic to be braided and hung
Sam Houston said bring yer own string.
I left a huge garden behind when we moved last year-I’m starting to really miss it. Spring has me itching to grow food. We are trying to find little sunny patches in our small yard.