Every sourdough journey begins with a starter — a simple mixture of flour and water that comes alive with natural yeast and good bacteria. It might sound a little intimidating at first, but I promise it’s easier (and more fun) than it seems.

This is where Agnes, my very own sourdough starter, comes in. Naming her made the process feel less like science and more like caring for a little farm pet — feed her, give her a bit of attention, and she’ll reward you with delicious homemade sourdough.

Start here: Learning Sourdough with Agnes

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about creating and keeping a starter alive. You’ll also find handy printables and simple tips that take away the overwhelm and make the process approachable.

Once you meet Agnes, you’ll have the foundation you need for every loaf, pancake, and recipe to come.

A starter isn’t just something you set on the counter and forget. It’s a living culture that needs regular feeding and care — but don’t worry, once you learn the rhythm, it quickly becomes second nature. And the best part? A healthy starter opens the door to endless sourdough creations.

Here’s some helpful resources to learn more about your sourdough starter:

How to Use a Sourdough Starter: A Complete Guide
This post walks you step by step through feeding, maintaining, and baking with your starter so you’ll know exactly what to do from day to day.

What is Sourdough Starter Discard and How to Use It
You’ll also learn what to do with the extra starter (called “discard”) so nothing goes to waste. From pancakes to crackers, there are so many fun and delicious ways to use it.

By the end of this step, you’ll feel confident keeping your starter alive and well — and you’ll even have a few tasty recipes to try along the way!

Once you understand how your starter works, it’s time to set yourself up for success in the kitchen. Having the right tools and learning how to measure properly will make your sourdough baking not only easier, but more consistent every single time.

Sourdough Bread Tools
Here I’ll walk you through the essentials — from mixing bowls to bannetons — and help you figure out what you really need to get started (and what’s just nice-to-have).

Sourdough: How to Use a Gram Scale + YouTube Video
Measuring by weight instead of cups and spoons is one of the biggest game-changers in sourdough. This post (with video!) shows you exactly how to use a gram scale so your recipes turn out beautifully, every time.

With the right tools in hand and the confidence to measure accurately, you’ll be ready to dive into your very first sourdough loaf.

You’ve met Agnes, learned how to care for a starter, and gathered your tools. Now comes the moment you’ve been waiting for: baking your very first loaf of sourdough bread.

This is where all the pieces come together — feeding your starter, mixing, shaping, and finally pulling a golden, crackly loaf out of the oven. It’s not about perfection on your first try (no baker ever gets there right away!) — it’s about learning the rhythm of sourdough and discovering the joy of bread fresh from your own kitchen.

TheFarmChicken Sourdough Bread Recipe: Step by Step
This recipe is designed with beginners in mind, guiding you through each stage so you never feel lost. With clear instructions and photos, you’ll have everything you need to turn your starter into a beautiful loaf.

By the end of this step, you won’t just know about sourdough — you’ll have baked it. And there’s nothing more satisfying than slicing into your own homemade bread, hearing that first crunch, and tasting the reward of your patience and care.