Printable one-feed sheet
| Feed details | Write your own |
|---|---|
| Jar name and date | __________________________ |
| Time fed | __________ |
| Starter, flour and water | ____ g starter + ____ g flour + ____ g water |
| Ratio and flour used | __________________________ |
| Location and temperature | __________________________ |
| Starting level and units | __________________________ |
| Check time | Height or volume | What changed |
|---|---|---|
| __________ | __________ | __________________________ |
| __________ | __________ | __________________________ |
| __________ | __________ | __________________________ |
| __________ | __________ | __________________________ |
| Decision for the next feed | Notes |
|---|---|
| Peak window or unknown | __________________________ |
| What I want to change | __________________________ |
Put a band around the level immediately after feeding. Use a straight-sided jar if you measure height, and record the same units each time. If you move the jar to a new location, note the time and temperature there. Compare feeds only when the flour, ratio and temperature are similar enough for the question you are asking. Those conditions can change how the starter rises. [1]
Completed example for an overnight feed
These are illustrative entries.
| Time | Observation |
|---|---|
| 20:00 | Fed 10 g starter, 20 g flour and 20 g water at 1:2:2. Kitchen measured 22°C (72°F). Started at 2 cm. |
| 23:00 | The level was 3 cm and climbing. |
| 07:00 | The level was 3.5 cm. A fresh line remained at about 4.5 cm. |
| Conclusion | The peak likely occurred between 23:00 and 07:00. The next feed will start earlier so the baker can observe more of the rise. |
A window is useful for deciding when to look next time. If the glass was already streaked or the jar was stirred between checks, record “peak unknown” and describe what you actually saw. You can still compare the next measured feed with this one.
Find a feed you can repeat
Start with a question such as “Can I feed after dinner and mix before work?” Find the feeds that used the same flour and ratio at similar temperatures. Compare their earliest and latest observations, then choose a time when you can look at the jar. For example, if you repeatedly missed the top between 23:00 and 07:00, a daytime feed on your next free day can help narrow the window.
How many feeds should I log?
Start with the next two or three feeds under similar conditions. That gives you a chance to see whether the timing repeats. Use a fresh sheet if you change the ratio, flour or location. Compare the changed feed with the earlier entries, then decide what to repeat.
The planned starter log in Crispy Crust would keep these entries searchable by jar. Paper is easy to use at the counter. A searchable history becomes useful when you want to find the last comparable overnight feed or remember which ratio suited your kitchen in winter.
Use the starter feeding calculator to calculate the build you need while keeping a reserve.