Of course you should have started tomatoes from seed in April, sown lettuce seed while the breezes were still cool and planted basil in May.  But you didn't, and now you regret it.

Luckily for you there is hope, even in deepest, stickiest July.  A trip to the local garden center should give you just what you need.  Most retailers still have tomato and pepper plants as well as a variety of other popular garden vegetables.  The tomato plants will probably have small fruits on them already, putting you ahead of the game. Pots of herbs are also in good supply.

Once you get your young plants home and installed in pots or garden beds, don't forget to water regularly, as the plants establish themselves.  Mulching also helps.  If you want lettuce or other cool season greens, wait until early fall to plant seeds.  Stock up on those seeds while you are at the garden center and store them in a cool, dry place. 

Once your plants are installed, relax.  You are the only one who has to know that you didn't start them yourself many months ago.