The Life Cycle of a Sourdough Starter, Simplified

What it is, what it does, and how to keep it alive for years to come.

If you’re new to sourdough baking, you might be wondering: What exactly is a sourdough starter—and what does it need to stay alive? Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds! Once you understand the basic life cycle of a sourdough starter, feeding and baking with it becomes second nature. I like to compare it to riding a bike, if you go through the whole process once, you have learned how to ride the bike!

Let’s break it down step-by-step in a simple, no-stress way.

🌱 1. Step one: Creating your sourdough starter.

Every sourdough starter begins with two things: flour and water. Whether you’re making one from scratch or rehydrating flakes (like our Acts of Sourdough Starter Flakes), the goal is the same—start building a home for wild yeast and friendly bacteria.

These microorganisms (I know… big word) are naturally present in the flour and your environment, and over time, they begin to grow and create bubbles as they feed.

🔄 2. Step two: Feeding your starter.

Just like us, a sourdough starter needs regular nourishment! Feeding your starter with fresh flour and water helps it stay active and strong. After each feeding, you’ll notice it rise, bubble, and become airy—signs that the wild yeast is alive and thriving.

At room temperature, most starters need feeding once every 24 hours (while actively baking). If you keep yours in the fridge, lock the lid and take it out to feed when you’re ready to bake.

🥖 3. Step three: Baking with your starter!

After a feeding, your starter will rise and eventually reach its peak—this is when it’s most active, bubbly, and full of natural fermentation power. (about 6-8 hours after feeding if your house is warm) This is the perfect time to put your dough together!

>>> Here is my tried-and-true beginner sourdough loaf recipe!

How to tell it’s ready to bake:

• It’s doubled in size
• It’s bubbly and has a pleasant, tangy smell

🌙 4. Step four: Sourdough discard: resting/ refrigerating when you are not baking.

Not baking every day? That’s okay! You can slow your starter down by storing it in the fridge. Remember to lock the lid. This will keep the moisture out and prevent mold.

Storing it in the fridge puts it into a kind of “pause” mode, where it doesn’t need as much attention. Just take it out, feed it, and give it a little time at room temp before baking again.

🔁 5. The sourdough starter life cycle!

Once your starter is established, the life cycle continues:
Feed → Grow → Bake → Rest → Repeat.

With just a little routine care, your starter will last for months—years, even generations—and reward you with delicious, naturally leavened bread, pancakes, focaccia, cookies, and so much more.

🧡 Helpful Tips for a Happy Starter

• Use unbleached all-purpose or bread flour
• Keep it in a clean jar with room to rise
• Use a kitchen scale and feed with equal parts flour and water

Ready to Start Your Starter?

If you’re just beginning your sourdough journey, we’ve made it easy. Our Sourdough Starter Beginner’s Kit comes with everything you need to start strong—no stress, no waste, just flour, water, and faith in the process. 👉 Grab your starter kit.

*Sourdough Starter Beginner’s Kit + Digital Recipe Book – Acts Of Sourdough

Remember, your sourdough starter doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs a little care, a little patience, and a little time. Whether you’re mixing up your first feed or baking your hundredth loaf, I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

your bread bestie,
xo, Courtney