brucef wrote:
My eggplants grew well for a while, then they started to get this lacy
sort of dieback. They never really recovered and this would appear to
be the final stage:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruce_f/2712262067/

Anyone have any idea what might have caused this? I can see no bugs,
no cocoons, no fungus. This is in Perth.

The cabbages, lettuce and broadbeans around them seem vigorous,
These are winter vegetables, so do well.

although the capsicum don't seem to have amounted to much.

Any advice appreciated.
For a start "the picture" is overexposed. Try taking the picture earlier
in the morning, wen its not so bright.

As far as eggplant diseases go, what sort of weather have you been having?
The previous answers by others cover it well.
Too cold, no grow. Youre doing well getting them to start at all. Theyre
a summer vegetable.
As far as other vegies go. Normal beans (not broad beans or scarlet
runners which are winter growing) can be started (germinate) when days
are 20 Celcius (centigrade) so are summer vegies too. Tall or dwarf.
Dwarf are great for starters as the need only minimal support. Peas
should be planted "around" now, and carrots should also be looked at.
They tend to germinate rather slowly if at all in colder weather, but
need moisture. Cucumbers (Summer) need lots of water and sunlight.

Its best if youre starting a garden, to work out the warm spots, and
plant warmth loving plants there, (tomatoes egplants peppers Zuchinis)
and keep the varieties that need cooler spots for them. (Potatoes
Silverbeet)How can you tell? Experience usually. I'm still getting to
learn about my "zones" and preferences.
Hopes that helps you a little...