When to stretch and fold

gluten development since there aren't enough wee beasties to make it poof up.  That is the perfect time really get the gluten developed without worrying about deflating it.  I like to do 3 sets of slap and folds 20 minutes apart that first hour .  I usually have some pretty wet dough so the forst set lasts until the dough stops sticking to the counter - about 8 minutes and the 2nd set is maybe 1 minute and the 3rd set maybe only 6 slaps and folds - to really get the gluten in shape.  Then I like to do 3 sets of very gentle stretch and folds for the 4 compass points only also 20 minutes apart.  I don.t like to manipulate or touch the dough at all for the next two hours.  This is when the dough will show some rise during bulk fermenting

Some people would bulk retard it then take it out 12 hours later let warm up and then shape for final proof on the counter.  I get smaller holes that way.  I much prefer to gently but firmly shape the dough after the bulk ferment and retard it shaped for 8-12 hours in tin or basket.  I just let it warm up on the counter while the oven preheats the net morning.  You just want to make sure it doesn't over proof while you sleep.  If it does no worries.  You can always reshape it and let it proof on the counter if it does,

Happy Baking   

I've tried it both ways and found before works a bit better.

Definitely do the S&Fs before retarding. I usually bake after dough has been refrigerated for 12-48 hours. Sometimes I shape before dough goes in the fridge, but often I shape gently when I take out the dough. I bake right out of the fridge. Don't forget to preheat the oven. 

that David Snyder has written up though I do employ mechanization (KA610 mixer) in the early stage for mixing and initial dough formation.  Recipe is pretty much inline with Hamelman's Vermont Sourdough.  Mix for 2 1/2 minutes, autolyze for 45 minutes, add the salt and then mix on speed #2 for 2 minutes.  Dough is then at room temperature for 90 minutes with S&Fs at 30 minute intervals and then it goes into the refrigerator for 21 hours.  Subsequent work is identical to what David has posted.

Here are some batards that were baked the other day for our neighborhood association picnic which was alas cancelled because of potential inclement weather that never came.  I ended up with two dozen rolls in addition to these three small loaves.  Anyway, I got fantastic oven spring and finally some pretty decent looking crumb.  Ignore the roll, that was some leftover dough that I threw on the baking steel.