Collect fresh plant specimens with leaves, flowers, or fruits
Choose healthy, complete samples
Dig out small plants with roots if possible
Place each specimen in a separate sheet of newspaper or blotting paper
Arrange the plant parts flat and spread out
Keep the specimen label with collection details
Press the specimens between absorbent papers
Place the pressed specimens inside a plant press or under heavy books
Change the drying papers regularly until the specimens are fully dry
Mount each dried specimen on a herbarium sheet using glue, tape, or strips
Attach a label with plant name, date, place, collector name, and habitat
Store the mounted sheets in a dry, clean, pest-free folder or cabinet
Arrange the sheets in proper order for easy reference