Sourdough Starter Feeding Guide NZ: Simple Ratios, Happy Starter

Wondering how to feed a sourdough starter without turning it into a full-time job? Here's the short version: discard down to a small spoonful, add equal parts flour and water by weight, mix, and walk away. That's it. A sourdough starter feeding guide doesn't need to be complicated — your starter just needs consistent meals, and you need a routine you can actually stick to.

If you're buying a starter in New Zealand rather than growing one from scratch, the good news is the feeding routine is the same — the only difference is you skip the shaky first fortnight. An established, dehydrated starter wakes up ready for a simple feeding rhythm from day one.

Why Squirrelly Girl

• Free shipping across New Zealand 📦
• From our Canadian micro-bakery — every order is packed by people who bake 🇨🇦
• 100% activation guarantee, so your starter wakes up or we make it right ✅
• Dehydrated starter ships shelf-stable and wakes up in days — no fragile jar in the post
• Step-by-step instructions + the Sourdough Academy make feeding foolproof 📚

Start Feeding Your Own Starter →

Feeding FAQs

How often should I feed my sourdough starter?

Daily if it lives on the bench; weekly if it lives in the fridge. Benchtop feeders who bake often keep it at room temperature with one feed a day. Weekend bakers can stash it in the fridge and feed once a week, pulling it out a day before baking for a couple of fresh feeds.

What ratio should I use?

The beginner-friendly standard is 1:1:1 — equal parts starter, flour and water by weight, e.g. 25g of each. Bakers who want a slower ferment between feeds use bigger ratios like 1:3:3. Always weigh with a scale; cups lie.

What does it mean when liquid appears on top?

That dark liquid is called hooch, and it simply means your starter is hungry. Stir it in for a tangier flavour or pour it off for a milder one, then give it a good feed. It isn't ruined — it's asking for dinner.

Ready for a starter that's easy to feed and eager to bake? Get your Squirrelly Girl starter here — shipped free anywhere in New Zealand. Happy baking! 🐿️