Published and reviewed August 4, 2026
Feeding reminder workflow
Sourdough feeding reminder app: what to log at every feed
A reminder prevents a missed feed. A log explains whether the feed worked. Combining both is what turns notifications into a reliable starter routine.
What to remember
- Separate “feed now” from “check near peak”; they serve different purposes.
- Put the important context in structured fields, not only a free-text note.
- Reschedule reminders when ratio, temperature, or refrigeration changes.
- Use notifications sparingly enough that each one remains actionable.
What to log at feeding time
Swipe the table horizontally →
| Record | Example | Use later |
|---|---|---|
| Starter kept | 15 g | Reconstructs total feed size. |
| Water and flour | 45 g + 45 g | Confirms the 1:3:3 ratio. |
| Flour blend | 90% bread / 10% rye | Explains changes in speed and texture. |
| Temperature | 23°C / 73°F | Adds context to peak time. |
| Starting level | Jar mark or photo | Makes rise measurable. |
What to log at peak
- Elapsed time since feeding.
- Maximum rise relative to the starting mark.
- Surface shape: domed, flat, or beginning to recede.
- Aroma and texture only when they differ from the normal pattern.
- The next action: use, refrigerate, feed, or inspect again.
Three reminders that cover most routines
Use a feeding reminder for the routine you intend to keep, a peak-check reminder slightly before the expected high point, and a bake-preparation reminder when a feeding is meant to power a levain or dough.
Do not stack all three by default. A refrigerated maintenance starter may need only a weekly feeding reminder, while a starter being strengthened for a bake benefits from closer peak checks.
When the schedule changes
A reminder created for 1:1:1 at a warm room temperature becomes unreliable after moving to 1:5:5 or into a cool kitchen. Update the ratio and expected peak window together.
If a notification repeatedly arrives after the starter has already collapsed, that is useful evidence. Move the inspection earlier or increase the feed ratio rather than simply dismissing the alert.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time for a sourdough feeding reminder?+
Set it for a time you can act, then add a separate inspection near the starter’s observed peak. The correct interval changes with temperature, ratio, and activity.
Do I need to log every starter feeding?+
Log consistently while establishing a starter, diagnosing a problem, or preparing for a bake. During a stable maintenance routine, fewer entries may be enough.
Can I use the iPhone Reminders app instead?+
Yes for simple alerts. A dedicated starter app becomes more useful when you want ratios, peak history, temperature, and bake records connected to the reminder.