Which worms

New one on me. What did you fill the raised beds with? Unlss you built them on concrete then worms are going to come in from the soil underneath in any case. Seems a bit of silly advice to me.

THE Orignal ground is compacted riverbed clay, on top off that there is membrane then a layer of gravel.
The orginal ground is impossible to grow anything in, hence one of the reasons for the raised beds, but which are handy when I am in a wheelchair. The raised beds are approx 3ft deep.

I have never had these problems so don't really now how to answere. Any garden worms will do, but where to get them; you can't really go round to the neighbour and ask if she has worms, now can you :-0). If you have a local garden club or allotment society some one may have a wormery and be happy to give you some.

The addition of worms is not necessary, but it can be handy to have them to aerate the soil. That said the type of worm isn't really all that important. All species of garden worm will do the job and you will be surprised how easily they will find there way into your containers. If you want to there are online companies that will sell "red worms" to use in vermiculture. But I would take Bulbaholic advise and ask the local garden groups if any one has some you can have or buy.
3 years ago I had similar beds made and used for the 1st year when I when to replant the second year they were full of worms.

the worms used in wormeries are different frm earthworms, and i dont think they do very well in the open garden. you could check wiggly wrigglers who sell earth worms at around 15 pounds per 100worms which will do 10 square metres. this seems a bit pricey,why not phone around some family and friends and ask them each to collect some worms from their garden.

Hi there, i have found this website that may be able to help you i was looking for worms too when i came across it

http://www.westcountryworms.co.uk

hope it helps you.

If worms can get into the gutter round the roof of the house I am sure they will get into a raised bed, no trouble.

Yes, worms get everywhere - they do seem to be able to climb!! Wriggly Wrigglers is in Herefordshire. I had a job interview with them. I didn't get it. >:-(

Aw, poor Sid! Just think of all those worms you could have got for all of us! Lol!! (love the "face" you made!)

Do fishing shops sell worms?
There may be one near you.

you've had so many answers already, but i just wanted to add that if your soil in the new bed is good, the worms won't wait around to start munching through it. Bet they are on their way already : )
I wish I could pass you some from our compost heap!

Thanks so much for all your replies...and so quickly... they have all been so much appreciated.
As I said before, I am a complete newbie, even at the age of 60. but I am looking forward to learning... I have planet , pot, parsnips, carrots, sprouts, caulie, runner beans, onions, beets, peppers and toms... so hopefuly something of that lot shoudl win through, and if I fail this year, I will try harder next
Thanks again for all your help
Mary