I was a very new baker when I came to work for Sourdoughs International. I have no experience with baking bread. So to activate the culture, take care if it and bake was an extremely overwhelming task. I learned that sourdough cultures are forgiving it you just keep at it. I am not one to do exact measurements. I do a guess and run with that. I have learned some cultures are grumpy and take extra attention. Others activate quickly and are extremely easy to work with. I know trial and error have factored into my journey with baking. I also have learned that I love it. I am a lazy bread maker. My bread machine is my go to every day of the week. But the process is fun and rewarding. I hope you enjoy your journey also.