Inside the Ray County Library’s Community Room, the air smelled faintly of soil and springtime as residents filled rows of tables to plant the beginnings of something new. The library’s April 16 seed-starting workshop, the first in its new “Learn to Grow Your Food” series, drew attendees for a handson experience in gardening, education and community connection. With plastic trays, peat pots and cups in hand, participants got to work while learning from University of Missouri (MU) Extension field specialist Todd Higgins, who delivered an informative and engaging presentation packed with practical advice, stories and humor. The workshop lasted just under an hour, but the information shared and the seeds planted are meant to grow well beyond that. “It’s not too late to start seeds, even though all the stores have plants,” said Higgins, who lives in Kearney and currently covers several counties while the area’s regular horticulture specialist recovers from surgery. Throughout the…