They get twisted and turned, coiled and kinked. Without an effective storage solution, garden hoses can easily get damaged or even destroyed. The good news is that there are plenty of hose storage options designed to keep garden hoses off the ground - and keep our yards and gardens neat and tidy at the same time.

Hose hanger. A simple hose hanger is an economical way to keep a hose from kinking. You can find a basic free-standing model for under $30. They're usually simple to install and are a great alternative to letting the coiled hose sit on the ground. Using a free-standing hose hanger is a particularly good idea when you want to store your hose near a garden or planting bed without taking up a lot of space.

You can also find models that attach to a building; those are even less expensive -- around $15. One nice feature: You can hang a wall-mounted hose hanger at any height to accommodate just about any size hose. Just keep in mind that there's a big difference between 100 feet of empty garden hose and a hose filled with water. Make sure you choose one that's built to hold the weight.

Hose truck. A hose truck is a cart with either two or four wheels, a great option if you want to keep your hose portable - if you store it in the garage and need to roll it out into the backyard, for instance. Look for a well-built, all-welded steel frame and durable wheels that let you roll over even rugged terrain.

A two-wheeled hose truck provides a good amount of mobility, while a four-wheeled model offers extra stability. Some of the larger models can store up to 300 feet of hose, and cost between $130 and $160. Look for hose trucks that don't require a lot of assembly, and that feature long-term warranties.

Free-standing swivel reel. If you're looking for a more permanent hose storage solution, consider a garden hose holder that installs into the ground. One that we're especially intrigued by is the Free-Standing Swivel Reel, about $100 from the Yard Butler Garden Tools Store.

The all-steel hose holder has a patented swiveling turret design that can rotate 360 degrees, making it easy to deliver water in all directions. In fact, this hose reel holds up to 200 feet of hose, so it boasts a total coverage area of more than three acres. And it's no trouble to install. All you do is dig a hole, install the post and use quick-setting concrete to lock it in place. It's also got durable bracing to prevent sagging, which extends the life of the hose.

Wall-mount swivel reel. Another permanent option is a wall-mounted swivel reel, which mounts to the side of a house or out-building. Some models affix to the building with a mounting bar, then pivot out with a swing arm, allowing the reel to swivel 180 degrees. When you're through using the hose, the reel stores neatly against the wall. Good ones cost around $125 and hold about 100 feet of hose.

Yard Butler Store sells fine gardening tools and accessories including garden hose storage devices.