why does scout like miss maudie so much?

I think there might have been both of your statements at play here. Ms. Maudi is a kind, cheerful, and witty neighbor and trusted friend of Scout's, who also upholds a strong moral code and helps the children gain perspective on the events surrounding the trial. She also loves gardening. Scout sees many of the traits she loves in her father in Miss. Maudie. Scout is already like Miss Maudie. She goes against societal expectations. Scout already has strong convictions which she often violently defends. Miss Maudie is a more refined and more mature version of Scout.