is it true that if you cut a worm in half, each half grows a head an becomes a worm of its own?

No. You get an injured worm, and a lifeless amputated worm limb.

If enough of its body is left on the end with the smooth little band (the clitellum) around it, the worm can survive and regrow its lower extremity (which may be what gave rise to the myth of each half groing into a new worm).

Although you can buy them, the best way to get worms is to attract them from the surrounding soil, by adding lots of organic matter to your sand and subsoil.

You've already made a good start, but you might want to check out the Soil, Compost & Mulch Forum, especially the FAQ and any Lasanga Gardening threads, for ideas on how to make it even better :)

- Evelyn

i agree just amend your soil with lots of compost or manure and cover with a good layer of mulch that breaks down easy and remember to allways keep it moist and no pesticides and you will have soil crawling with them.
If you spend money on them and forget to feed the soil and keep it moist they will not be your worms but any one who provides them with the decaying matter and m0ist conditions.
I buried foodscraps last summer and within 2 days I could find worms. You should have no problems as I live in Mississauga.

Although you can buy them, the best way to get worms is to attract them from the surrounding soil, by adding lots of organic matter to your sand and subsoil.

I don't know about Toronto Gardener's location, but in our San Joaquin Valley (California), there are few "wild" redworms. Everything is too dry, except in planned areas, for many "wild" redworms to be found. If Toronto Gardener's location offers otherwise, great, but here, we have to buy our starters.

now it's time for the worms. do i just buy them and dump the little darlings anywhere?

Redworms are a good tool to build the soil, but generally, you can't dump them "anywhere". The better approach is to find a shaded area, even if it's only up against the house, and start a vermicomposting pile or bin. As you add organic material, and the pile builds up, you can take some of the compost and spread it around your land, leaving a "starter" batch to rebuild your pile each time.

Here is a link that might be useful: My Earthworm Farm