Were you at the permies forum?
Alan bishop?
It always helps get the conversation going to provide a little more information.
At my previous garden, my little hot peppers self sowed like mad.
Having a difficult time getting them established here in the sandhills... They grow, I just haven't planted them anywhere that they return yet.
Cow peas returned for me in my previous garden too.
I did have cherry tomatoes and watermelon return for me this year...
Even Jerusalem artichokes fail!
While not annuals, I do have hog peanut and apios Americana planted, and elephant garlic...
This year I planted tepary peas... Will see... Seems likely... Last year my Cherokee tears beans returned, this year, I was able to plant the beans that over wintered on the teepee... And they grew...