How to Make a Portable Plant Press

Parts of the Press:

• End boards Prepare two 9 X 12 inch rectangles of a rigid material. Use plywood, masonite, pegboard, the backs of two clipboards, the covers from a 3-ring binder, or even cardboard (several sheets glued together for rigidity).
• Corrugated Cardboard Cut from corrugated boxes, making sure the lines of corrugation run across the shortest distance. This will enhance air flow through the press.
• Moisture Absorber To absorb moisture from the drying specimens, use sheets of newspaper or paper-toweling. Sheets of thick blotter paper work well, if available.
• Newspaper Specimen "Folder." Specimens are arranged carefully within a folded piece of newspaper (like placing a document in a file folder).

Assembling the press:

When putting plants in the press, each newspaper specimen folder is sandwiched between moisture-absorbing layers and is then sandwiched between two layers of corrugated cardboard (see diagram above). For bulky specimens, extra layers of moisture absorber and cardboard may be needed. Tie the press together tightly with rope, bungee cords, large rubber bands, or buckle straps. You may need to adjust tightness as plants dry and flatten out. To quicken drying for high-moisture plants, change the folder and moisture absorbing layers at least once. Include 5 to 10 (or more) specimen folders -- and surrounding layers -- in your press, or as many as you can comfortably carry. Refer to diagram at right.

Photos of Using a Portable Plant Press

For more information, contact:

Courtney LeClair
Invasive Plant Education, Early Detection, and Mapping Specialist
WI Department of Natural Resources
101 S. Webster St.
Madison, WI 53707-7921
Phone: (608) 267-7438