My Simple Sourdough Starter Routine For Busy Families

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by sourdough starter schedules, feeding ratios, or conflicting advice—you’re not alone. For a long time, I thought sourdough had to be complicated to be successful.

It doesn’t.

Over the years of baking hundreds of loaves, teaching classes, and managing real life with kids and a home to run, I’ve landed on a starter routine that is simple, flexible, and forgiving—perfect for busy families.

My Philosophy on Sourdough Starter

Sourdough should work with your life, not against it.

Your starter doesn’t need:

• Exact feeding times

• Constant attention

• Fancy flours or equipment

What it does need is consistency, warmth, and a little patience.

My Everyday Starter Routine

Here’s what I do most days:

Feeding Ratio:
I typically feed my starter at 1:2:2 or 1:3:3 (starter : water : flour)

This keeps it strong without overfeeding.

When I Feed:

• Once per day if baking regularly

• Every few days if stored in the fridge

Where I Keep It:

• On the counter during active baking days

• In the fridge when life is full or I’m taking a break

A Routine That Works Around Kids & Life

One of the biggest myths about sourdough is that it requires constant monitoring.

Here’s how I make it work:

• I feed my starter when it fits my day (morning or evening)

• I don’t stress if it peaks while I’m busy

• I use visual cues instead of the clock

If it’s bubbly, doubled, and smells pleasantly tangy—it’s ready.

What I Do When My Starter Feels Sluggish

If my starter slows down, I:

• Move it to a warmer spot

• Feed a slightly higher ratio

• Give it time (often 1–2 feedings is all it needs)

No panic. No discarding everything. Just simple adjustments.

For Beginners: Keep It Simple

If you’re new to sourdough, my biggest advice is this:

Don’t overcomplicate it.

You’ll learn more by baking imperfect loaves than by waiting for perfection.

Want More Support?

If you’d like hands-on help, I offer sourdough classes where I walk through starter care, baking rhythms, and troubleshooting in a way that fits real life.

You can find those in the shop, or feel free to reach out with questions—I’m always happy to help.

Final Thoughts

Sourdough is meant to be life-giving, not stressful. A simple routine, a little grace, and consistency go a long way.

If you’re feeding your starter and showing up, you’re doing it right.