About 2 weeks ago I put in 12 french marigold plants. They haven't thrived as well as I'd hoped but could be because they are under the spreading apple tree, a bit shady.
Two days ago I noticed one plant completely stripped, the foliage chomped away. I thought perhaps caterpillars but there's no sign of them. Looking it up online the general consensus seems to be slugs/snails though I wondered about the stem of a marigold supporting a slug while it climbed and chomped. Today another two plants have gone. No others appear to have been touched.
I've been prompted by what I've read to put in a couple of slug traps. No beer or yeast in the house which is recommended, so I've gone with iced tea (the bottle was out of date) with lots of sugar and salt added. The sugary sweetness to attract them. Kept the solution level down a bit so they can't climb out. You will see a red trap and a white trap in the photos.
Has anyone had success with these home made slug traps? I thought marigolds were pretty safe but it seems that they are like a steak sandwich to a slug. 
What were the first ever records that you bought and when?
Parents-in-Law. What do/did you call them?
