I ordered the red wigglers online. I had NO worms in my ground soil either. But over the past 2 - 3 years with amending and planting more plants, I am now finding big, fat earth worms in my soil. Yay! It's not barren soil anymore!
I started adding fallen oak leaves to all my garden beds and that has done wonders along with amending all the beds and lots and lots of watering. I installed a micro-irrigation system around all my garden areas 3 years ago. That made a huge difference as well. The yard is alive now instead of looking dry, unhealthy, and dead. Most everything is thriving in the soil. What a concept for FL soil. And it is still a work in process. But I am seeing the difference finally. Thank goodness for small miracles of bettr soil practices. Amen! I am learning as much as I can about soil health. That is the key to successful gardening. Starts in the soil.